Bohs players agree pay cut

The players at Bohemian FC have finally concluded contract re-negotiations and have signed new contracts on reduced terms.

This has been greeted by a statement of relief by the players but one in which they have professed unhappiness with the way in which this matter was approached. The Players' Representative Committee has issued the following statement:

We are the glad that this stressful situation has finally come to an end. The players have agreed that the interests of the club must take priority at this time and we are committed to the management goal of team strengthening.

The serious wage cuts to which we have agreed may create some personal difficulties for us in our domestic lives but we are conscious that most of the country is in the same position. Contrary to popular belief, footballers in this league do not earn large sums of money and our careers are very short.

It is also very disappointing that negotiations with certain players were handled in an unsatisfactory manner. Nonetheless, we must draw a line under this now and concentrate on preparing for the new season in which we hope to replicate the success of last year.

We would also like to thank the PFAI, Keith Doyle of Hilary Haydon & Company and Padraig Smith, FAI Internal Compliance Officer, for their help and assistance in understanding the complexities of the situation.

The PFAI General Secretary, Stephen McGuinness, said: "Once again, it’s down to the players to assist a club in gaining an FAI Club License and remain competitive for the season ahead.

"The players have put aside their own personal financial gain for the better of the club and it must be noted that, contrary to some people's opinion, players have not held the club to ransom in these negotiations.

"We hope that the players’ actions at this point will be remembered and rewarded by the club when it reviews its recruitment procedure for season 2010."