The 12 contracted players at Bohemians have agreed a pay cut with the club that will allow the Dublin side complete the recruitment of four new signings and meet the requirements for a league licence. While unhappy with the manner in which the agreement has come about, the players said today the interests of the club at a time of financial strain were paramount.
In a statement released by the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFAI), players welcomed the end of a “stressful situation” and insisted they are “committed to the management goal of team strengthening”.
“The serious wage cuts to which we have agreed may create some personal difficulties for us in our domestic lives but we are conscious that most of the country is in the same position,” it continued.
“Contrary to popular belief, footballers in this league do not earn large sums of money and our careers are very short.
“It is also very disappointing that negotiations with certain players were handled in an unsatisfactory manner. Nonetheless, we must draw a line under this now and concentrate on preparing for the new season in which we hope to replicate the success of last year.”
PFAI General Secretary Stephen McGuinness added none of the players “held the club to ransom” and expressed hope that their cooperation would not be forgotten.
"Once again it’s down to the players to assist a club in gaining an FAI Club License and remain competitive for the season ahead," said McGuinness.
“The players have put aside their own personal financial gain for the better of the club and it must be noted that contrary to some peoples opinion players have not held the club to ransom in these negotiations.
"We hope that the players’ actions at this point will be remembered and rewarded by the club when it reviews its recruitment procedure for season 2010.”
The agreement affords Bohs the chance to finalise the deals on offer to former Drogheda United duo Paul Keegan and Brian Shelley, as well as Cameroonian midfielder Joseph N’do and goalkeeper Matt Gregg.
