Millwall boss Gary Rowett gives his opinion as domestic game likely to explore wage deferrals and salary curbs

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has reacted to talk of wage deferrals and salary curbs as English football tries to stem financial losses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leading clubs in Europe have already looked at wage cuts or deferrals.

Borussia Dortmund have announced that players have waived part of their salaries while Bayern Munich have taken a 20 per cent pay cut.

It looks a matter of time before the English game follows suit.

Lions boss Rowett said: “We’ve seen some clubs have already approached their players over that scenario and for whatever reason they are wanting to do that. That’s their prerogative and not for me to get involved in.

“All I can say is that everybody in football – whether that is a player, coach or manager – would want to try and give something back, whether that is to the NHS or back to their own football club or community.

“I think everybody would unilaterally want to do something to help. I think we all realise we’re in a fortunate position.

“But at the same time I think it would have to be a league-wide, an industry-wide, thing. That would be the sort of main focus for everyone. It would be difficult for an individual club to do it.

“If everybody agreed it then I think it’s something everyone would consider, of course, to do.

“Everyone in football is pretty much prepared for something.

“Our club, at this moment in time, haven’t had that discussion with the players. It isn’t something the club has wanted to do. But who knows down the line?

“It’s a difficult time and certainly being at a club like Millwall that has been fantastically well-ran and fantastically well-organised, I’m sure we’re certainly in a stronger position than some.

“I’ve been in regular contact with John [Berylson, owner] and Steve [Kavanagh, chief executive] and I have to say that the conversations I’ve had with them have been fantastic. They are obviously very, very concerned about the situation – the people rather than the club. But very, very positive about how can we help the bigger picture. It highlights how good our club is.”