April 23 – Watford’s first-team players have agreed to wage deferrals, becoming the third Premier League club to do so in a bid to tackle the financial fallout of the Covid-19 crisis.
Last month, English football came to a grinding standstill as the coronavirus spread around the world and clubs in the British football pyramid have been struggling to deal with the unprecedented crisis. In the top flight, owners, executives and players union have bickered over pay cuts.
Watford has now followed in the footsteps of both Southampton and West Ham United by confirming that its players would defer a part of their salaries because of the global health crisis.
Watford captain Troy Deeney said the decision was in the “best interests of helping the club right now”.
The club’s chief executive Scott Duxbury said: “Nobody, wherever they work, is keen on the idea of a pay cut. So there is a bit of common sense and a good level of understanding has prevailed to get to a pay deferral over the short term.”
“It is a show of unity which we know our supporters and the wider Watford community will appreciate, and shows an awareness of the need for everybody to pull together in these incredibly challenging times.”
He added: “We are grateful to the players for recognising the importance of the situation and for their support of this fantastic club.”
Previously, Arsenal players reluctantly agreed to take a 12.5% pay cut whereas Chelsea’s team will reportedly take a 10% decrease in salary.
Premier League clubs couldn’t agree to a collective pay deal. The league proposed a 30% pay cut, but the Professional Footballers’ Association rejected that proposal, arguing that it would prejudice tax contributions to the NHS.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734917483labto1734917483ofdlr1734917483owedi1734917483sni@o1734917483fni1734917483