Barry Ferguson reacts to ‘welcome’ Rangers update amid ‘troubled times’ at Ibrox
Former Rangers hero Barry Ferguson has heaped praise on the current squad for their willingness to take a 50% wage deferral over the next three months.
An official club statement from the Gers statement on Monday night revealed that playing and coaching staff will halve their own income in an effort to ensure that other behind-the-scenes members of staff do not do without during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
And Ferguson has welcomed the move, hailing the social conscientiousness of the squad at Ibrox.
Writing in a column for the Daily Record, he said: “It was welcome news and I was a nice touch from the management team and players and I suppose we had to expect that something would be done with so many clubs up and down the country looking at ways to deal with this crisis.
“The majority of season tickets might be paid up front but there is a huge loss in revenue through corporate hospitality, food kiosks on matchdays and things like that so you can’t sustain a huge wage bill.
“The news that players have taken 50 per cent wage deferrals and, as you will read elsewhere in today’s paper, aren’t looking for a penny back until early 2021 helps the cash flow in the short term. James Tavernier says he’s proud of his team-mates and I can see why, they’ve shown great unity in these troubled times.”
Does Ferguson have a point here?
Absolutely, yes.
This is a wonderful, selfless move from the Gers, and one that will be so vital to so many people.
Not only is this pandemic affecting the health of a global population, but it is also having a dreadful impact on financial wellbeing too.
As such, it is nice to see those who have a bit more voluntarily doing what they can to ensure that their wealth is distributed a little more evenly during this difficult time.
In fact, it is an example that other wealthy members of society would do well to follow.
Hats off to Rangers, this is a great move.
In other Rangers news, ‘I’d get lynched’ – Ex-striker lifts lid on Ibrox transfer saga.