Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has urged the club’s Scottish Premiership rival Rangers to do the smart thing and consider making wage cuts at the club, writing in his Daily Record column.
A number of clubs in Scotland have already indicated they are preparing for the financial perils ahead, including Celtic.
Some non-playing staff at the club have been furloughed, while Neil Lennon has suggested cuts to player wages could be on the way next month.
Aberdeen have warned of a £5m financial shortfall, Hibernian are in negotiations with regards to a player wage deferral and Hearts gave their players a 50% wage cut ultimatum.
Sutton though is concerned that one club may not be taking it as seriously and certainly aren’t in the public sphere.
As quoted by The Daily Record, he said of the situation this week: “It is not a sign of weakness to accept these cuts are going to have to happen. But it is a sign of playing a very risky financial game if you do not.
“As tough as it may be to tell employees, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, Hibs and others are doing the right thing to look at implementing cutbacks.
“I find it inconceivable bordering on reckless that Rangers won’t do the same thing.”
Clearly no club in Scottish football is immune to the pressures on the horizon, Celtic and Rangers included.
Both have income generated by thousands of supporters and without that cash coming through the club, potential problems are clearly apparent.
If Celtic are considering making wage cuts, then surely things are urgent at Ibrox too, given the relative financial strength we’ve enjoyed over them in recent years.
Sutton is right to send out a warning. However, given his relationship with the club and supporters, it’s unlikely to be met with a kind response.
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