Leeds United players have agreed to defer their wages provided all other avenues of raising money have been exhausted.
The players and the players union (PFA) met Trevor Birch, the chief executive of the cash-strapped club, on Tuesday and PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire said: “The players are offering some form of financial support should it be required, when all other avenues have been explored.
“There is potential for deferment of a proportion of their wages.”
“Nothing has been agreed at this point,’ he added. ‘It is a constantly changing situation, we will keep monitoring it.
“When we know exactly what the club may need to make up the shortfall then a decision will be made.
“The players are very mindful of the need to stay in the Premiership as that would stabilise the club.”
“Players’ contracts are sacrosanct,” he added noting that the players are not accepting a wage cut but deferring payment until a later date.
The suggestion that all avenues must be explored raises the spectre of player sales at Elland Road.
It seems likely that bids for Paul Robinson or Alan Smith will be listened to.
Leeds need to raise £5m to satisfy their creditors until the end of the season
. A club statement issued on Tuesday said: “There has been a positive meeting between the players, the club and the PFA.
“The players are now fully aware of the financial position of the club and are prepared to offer support should it be required.”
