Oxford United have become the latest club to place their players on furlough leave.
It was just under three weeks ago that the club placed all non-football staff on furlough leave – the government paid scheme of ensuring 80 per cent of wages are covered during the coronavirus pandemic.
But now, the remainder of the clubs’ personnel, including players and coaches, will also be placed on the scheme.
Us skipper John Mousinho told the clubs official website: “It’s a sensible decision for all concerned. The club have been excellent and kept the players informed all the way through this uncertain time for the game.
“They sent out formal letters explaining the furlough and all of the players were happy to sign them.”
Managing Director Niall McWilliams added: “There is no getting away from the difficulties that all football clubs are facing right now and having the players and staff furloughed is the way that most clubs have gone.
“We are blessed with a squad who are not just good players but good men as well. We talked to Karl, we talked to the players and we have done things properly to make sure everyone is looked after.
“There are so many questions that can’t be answered right now: when will we be training again, when will we be playing games, when will fans be allowed back? We are dealing with those and talking to the right people at all levels but the one thing that we can be sure of is that it will take time for football to get back to normal.”
Last month, chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth admitted the club wouldn’t struggle financially and would continue to be backed by the board, but added they would need to adapt to get through this tough period.
Placing all playing staff on the government scheme is clearly the latest way to adapt to the current situation, leaving the U’s board with very little choice.
