Derby County thank Wayne Rooney after club confirms player wage deferral
Players have delayed collecting their wages that will result in a figure ‘substantially more’ than what has been reported being made available for the club and non-playing staff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Derby County's first-team players, coaches, management and non-furloughed staff have accepted "substantial" wage deferrals to help negate the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Championship (second-tier) club has said.
Reports said Derby captain Wayne Rooney was leading talks on behalf of his teammates against a proposal by the club to defer wages of players by 50 per cent and the striker's spokesperson had said he was not in a "wage war".
Derby did not give figures but said players had voluntarily agreed a deferral "considerably more than has been reported in the media" and thanked Rooney for his support.
"First team players have voluntarily agreed a substantial deferral … Everyone has been fully committed to help and play their part," Derby said in a statement.
"The measures have been agreed as part of the ongoing work to protect the future of the club, our staff and the communities we serve, during these unprecedented times.
"The club would specifically like to thank Rooney and Curtis Davies, the Professional Footballers Association's club representative, for their help and support."
Derby said players, coaches and staff also made financial donations to their Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected campaign, while non-playing staff will volunteer at a local food hub.
Soccer in England was suspended indefinitely last month due to the outbreak, forcing several Premier League clubs to adopt measures to cut costs.
Sheffield United, Aston Villa, Southampton, West Ham United and Watford all announced wage deferrals for their players while Arsenal said their players and coaching staff would take a 12.5 per cent pay cut.
Derby were 12th in the Championship when the season was suspended.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments