West Ham players agree salary deferral as David Moyes and Karren Brady take 30 per cent pay cut

WEST HAM’s players have agreed to defer part of their salaries until football is back.

The Hammers squad led by captain Mark Noble have OK’d the plans in a bid to help the East London side combat the financial impact of coronavirus.

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West Ham’s players have accepted a wage deferral and David Moyes has agreed a pay cut to combat coronavirus

Irons boss David Moyes and vice-chairman Karren Brady have also accepted 30 per cent reductions to help the cause.

The measures introduced will enable the club to avoid using the furlough scheme – unlike bitter rivals Tottenham – and continue to pay their non-playing staff 100 per cent of their wages.

The deferral is believed to be between ten and 30 per cent of the players’ salary.

Noble, who was commended for a £35,000 donation to Basildon council’s coronavirus effort earlier this week, said: “As players we have been in constant dialogue with the club since the situation around Covid-19 emerged.

“And I am proud that our entire squad have made clear their strong desire to play our part in helping to support others through this situation.

“At West Ham United, we are one team and our priority reflects the club’s aim to help ensure the staff get 100 per cent of their salaries while we are unable to play our matches.

“We continue to do all we can, collectively and individually, throughout this period for the benefit of those around us, our colleagues, our supporters and our community.

“On behalf of the players I send our best wishes to all of our supporters and their families, especially those who have been directly affected by the virus, and I look forward to the day that we can all be back together again.”

Joint owners David Gold and David Sullivan – alongside other minor shareholders – also injected £30million into the coffers via an additional share purchase scheme.

And SunSport columnist Brady was quick to praise the club-wide effort and added: “I would like to say a big thank you to David Moyes and his backroom team, our captain Mark Noble and our fantastic squad of players for the commitment and determination they have shown to offer their help and support.

“I would also like to thank the shareholders whose support through this injection of equity once again demonstrates their commitment to the future of the club.

“The joint-chairmen and I are truly proud of how they and everyone at the club has stepped up to play their part in this situation – we are in it together to support one another, our community and our club.

“That is the spirit of the West Ham United family.

“There is still a long and difficult road ahead but we remain committed to doing everything we can to support those most in need, and together we will come through it stronger.”

Earlier this week Hammers midfielder Robert Snodgrass hit back at health secretary Matt Hancock and told him to “do his homework” before attacking footballers.

The MP previously called on Prem stars to do their bit amid coronavirus and “take a pay cut”.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk