AFC Fylde players and staff to take 50 percent wage cut

AFC Fylde have confirmed that the club's players and staff have been asked to take a 50 percent wage cut for April and May.

The Coasters have been battling relegation all season in the Vanarama National League, following a significant drop-off from reaching last year's play-off final. With the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the current season continuing, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steps 3-6 of non-league football had their seasons officially ended yesterday, with the results to be expunged.

All attention now falls upon what will happen with the top two tiers of non-league, with plenty of murmurs and indications, but no concrete decision as yet. Fylde have now joined various other clubs in announcing wage cuts, with chairman David Haythornthwaite explaining: "Unfortunately, we can’t wait any longer for the league, FA or indeed government support, and therefore we must take drastic action to ensure the survival of the club. Until today, everybody has been paid in full, but this can no longer continue.

"This afternoon, we have asked all our players, along with the football and operational staff at the club, to take a 50% decrease in their wages for April and May with immediate effect. This was an immensely difficult decision, but we have been left with no other option.

"This situation will be constantly monitored and the recently-announced government job retention scheme will be fully explored once the details are known."

Jim Bentley's team are four points from safety (with at least one game in hand on the other sides in the drop zone) with the 2019/20 National League campaign suspended.

Haythornthwaite's statement adds: "Regarding the club’s Academy and Community Foundation, I can confirm that neither of these valuable entities are currently affected, as their external funding is still in place. The staff are remaining in regular contact and are planning in the best way they can for the future.

"The Fylde Women’s team are being placed under a temporary suspension. Please be in no doubt that AFC Fylde is wholeheartedly committed to its women’s team and will ensure it remains a part of the club."