Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder and CEO Stephen Bettis have agreed partial pay and bonus deferrals to help with the club’s cash flow issues during the ongoing pandemic. Understandably, the duo’s initiative has prompted lots of reactions from the fan base.
As football around the world is suspended in the wake of the current crisis, many clubs are facing growing economic uncertainty in the coming months (Guardian).
The Blades boss and Bettis, as well as a number of senior coaching staff, have accepted six-month wage deferrals, and the South Yorkshire outfit has revealed their generous efforts will be used to keep and pay other staff full time.
[freshpress-quiz id=”292787″]
In a statement publicly released by the club, the head coach commented: “it is a difficult time for everyone and that includes Football Clubs and this particular measure is all about our Football Club. I’ve had similar experiences of cash flow problems at other Clubs and I’m delighted that my staff have supported me in assisting our Club in a small way.”
Despite only being promoted at the start of the season, Wilder’s side are currently seventh in the Premier League table, joint on points with Wolverhampton Wanderers, two points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur, and just behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United.
As expected, the announcement received plenty of attention from the SUFC faithful, with many supporters gushing over the latest ‘class’ gesture. One fan remarked it was “never in doubt” while another dubbed the group “heroes.”
Take a look at the rest of the best reactions down below…
https://twitter.com/TheBladesView/status/1252261258222604291?s=20
Brilliant guys.
— James Kemp (@kemp_james) April 20, 2020
Our Gaffer! 🙌🏻
— Rob Nicholson (@RobPNicholson) April 20, 2020
Proud of our club 👏👊🔴⚪️⚫️⚔️
— Jo Pocknell (@_jopo_) April 20, 2020
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 That sir Christopher wilder is absolutely majestic. And same goes to the rest of the staff. 👍👍. What a club
— ingy ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️ (@Ijblade) April 20, 2020
Take a bow to Chris Wilder and Stephen Bettis and all of coaching staff. Our Club ❤️⚔️👏👏👏⚽️
— Jamie Davies ⚔️🔴⚪️🔴 (@daviesblades83) April 20, 2020
Heroes ♥️🤍♥️
— Blades S2 (@blades_s2) April 20, 2020
Missing football!? There’s still plenty of Blades discussion going on in the Vital Blades Forum! Click here to get involved!
