Post by MozzaBedfordSpur on Mar 18, 2008 12:22:27 GMT -1
Gretna players are considering strike action as they await unpaid wages from the Scottish Premier League club on the brink of going out of business.
They are currently in a meeting with players' union chief Fraser Wishart.
The players are unhappy that administrator David Elliott could not give assurances that their contracts would be honoured until the summer.
And one player told BBC Sport that they are considering striking, which could threaten the fixture against Celtic.
Sunday's match has been moved to Livingston's Almondvale Stadium because of drainage problems at Motherwell's Fir Park, where Gretna are tenants.
Gretna staff were this week handed a portion of their unpaid wage bill by the club's administrator.
If the players can't switch club, they could be in limbo until the summer should Gretna fold
SPFA chief executive Fraser Wishart
The sum amounts to 55% of one week's pay, although they are still owed two full weeks plus bonuses.
Some players decided not to play in Saturday's match against Aberdeen after the club went into administration.
But caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth backed the decisions of the players, stressing that they should not be criticised for their views.
Wages were withheld as the club went into administration after ailing owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial backing.
Playing staff expressed concern over the unpaid wages and medical insurance issues.
The club's league future was placed in doubt after it appeared they would be unable to field 11 players for the match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
However, the match went ahead after the Black and Whites drafted in a number of their U19 squad.
Wishart is also increasingly concerned by the lack of communication from Fifa over the plight of Gretna's playing staff.
World football's governing body has yet to respond to the SFA's requests to give Gretna's players dispensation to move club beyond March.
And the SPFA chief executive fears for the livelihoods of the players if no decision comes soon.
"If the players can't switch club, they could be in limbo until the summer should Gretna fold," said Wishart.
Players whose contracts are terminated may re-sign for another club with Fifa permission.
But rules also state that no club can sign players after March, which would pose problems for Gretna players should the club go out of business after then.
Gretna's administrators told staff they are free to look for other clubs if they wish.
However, caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth outlined the obstacles involved.
"There's interest from other clubs and I'm sure players and agents are talking to clubs, but we're in abnormal circumstances," Wadsworth told the club's website.
"There is a huge problem with international clearance, cancellation of registration and moving outside the transfer window, so it's not an easy situation and we need guidance."
They are currently in a meeting with players' union chief Fraser Wishart.
The players are unhappy that administrator David Elliott could not give assurances that their contracts would be honoured until the summer.
And one player told BBC Sport that they are considering striking, which could threaten the fixture against Celtic.
Sunday's match has been moved to Livingston's Almondvale Stadium because of drainage problems at Motherwell's Fir Park, where Gretna are tenants.
Gretna staff were this week handed a portion of their unpaid wage bill by the club's administrator.
If the players can't switch club, they could be in limbo until the summer should Gretna fold
SPFA chief executive Fraser Wishart
The sum amounts to 55% of one week's pay, although they are still owed two full weeks plus bonuses.
Some players decided not to play in Saturday's match against Aberdeen after the club went into administration.
But caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth backed the decisions of the players, stressing that they should not be criticised for their views.
Wages were withheld as the club went into administration after ailing owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial backing.
Playing staff expressed concern over the unpaid wages and medical insurance issues.
The club's league future was placed in doubt after it appeared they would be unable to field 11 players for the match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
However, the match went ahead after the Black and Whites drafted in a number of their U19 squad.
Wishart is also increasingly concerned by the lack of communication from Fifa over the plight of Gretna's playing staff.
World football's governing body has yet to respond to the SFA's requests to give Gretna's players dispensation to move club beyond March.
And the SPFA chief executive fears for the livelihoods of the players if no decision comes soon.
"If the players can't switch club, they could be in limbo until the summer should Gretna fold," said Wishart.
Players whose contracts are terminated may re-sign for another club with Fifa permission.
But rules also state that no club can sign players after March, which would pose problems for Gretna players should the club go out of business after then.
Gretna's administrators told staff they are free to look for other clubs if they wish.
However, caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth outlined the obstacles involved.
"There's interest from other clubs and I'm sure players and agents are talking to clubs, but we're in abnormal circumstances," Wadsworth told the club's website.
"There is a huge problem with international clearance, cancellation of registration and moving outside the transfer window, so it's not an easy situation and we need guidance."
