WAGES WHACK

MATTHEW GALEA

August 8 2014

Shepparton News

Financial pressures have forced the Goulburn Valley Suns to cut players’ wages in a bid to ensure the long-term future of the fledgling club.

Suns board members told senior players at the National Premier Leagues Victoria club of the belt tightening in the past 48 hours.

Suns chairman Michael Crisera said the cutbacks, which The News understands will be up to 50 per cent of the players’ match payments, were essential for the club to remain viable.

‘‘The cuts are financially necessary in the present and they are necessary looking to next year as well,’’ Crisera said.

‘‘We’ve made a lot of mistakes as a club, but we also want to try and see the players who are here to play for the fans and the community, and who are here to play for money.’’

Crisera said while the playing group was obviously disappointed, the players had grudgingly accepted the news.

‘‘The players’ attitude has been great, as frustrated as they are,’’ he said.

‘‘It is not ideal and we don’t want to upset the players.

‘‘It’s not a pleasant thing to do, but we want to ensure the future of the club.

‘‘We need to be careful with funds.’’

With relegation imminent and further tightening of the NPL Victoria player points system, the Suns are looking to primarily focus on local talent next year.

‘‘The player points will be reduced from about 275 to 245, so that will tighten things up and make sure clubs can’t buy in big numbers,’’ Crisera said.

‘‘It’s a 26-week season and no people here — or in Melbourne — have been involved in a season this long.

‘‘We will just keep looking to our youth as (senior coach) David (Davkovski) has already done and we’re endeavouring to make sure all the players are paid.’’

Experienced players Frankie Lagana and Craig Carley expressed their disappointment with the cuts, but remain committed to the Suns for the remainder of the season.

‘‘It was hard to take for some players,’’ Lagana said.

‘‘It’s not something I’ve seen in my career, but as a team we will try to manage and get the results for the community.’’

Carley said the team spirit instilled by popular mid-season appointment Davkovski would keep everyone committed to the task at hand during the difficult time.

‘‘It’s a disappointing position to be in, but I’ve enjoyed Dave coming in and I’m playing with a smile again despite the suspension,’’ Carley said.

‘‘Dave’s brought a lot of togetherness to the squad and he’s been clear with everyone. There’s not much we can do.

‘‘I guess there’s a few teething problems, but we’re all in the same boat.’’

Davkovski said the reaction of the players had been positive.

‘‘It’s about survival at this point and I think the reaction of the players has shown a lot of character,’’ Davkovski said.

The Suns are at home this weekend, taking on Northcote City tomorrow night