'Leeds United is a family' - Whites players, coaches and senior management take voluntary wage deferral

Leeds United players, coaching staff and senior management have taken a voluntary wage deferral (Pic: Getty)

In a statement released this morning the Whites confirmed that the gesture was to ensure hundreds of non-football staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch can be paid.

It will also safeguard the business, Leeds say.

Earlier this week owner Andrea Radrizzani revealed the suspension in fixtures due to the coronavirus was likely to cost the club £2.5m.

"The spread of the COVID-19 virus has seen the UK and many other nations around the world in a state of 'lockdown'; and whilst there is a shared commitment to complete the season, there is no concrete plan for a return date with Marcelo Bielsa's side sitting top of the Sky Bet Championship with just nine games left to play. The lack of fixtures, cancellation of events, impact on ancillary revenue and closure of the football financing market will cost the club several million pounds each month," said a spokesperson.

"Following a regular catch up between chief executive Angus Kinnear, director of football Victor Orta and several senior players, the decision was made by the squad to defer part of their own salaries to ensure that the club can continue to pay all 272 members of full-time staff and the majority of casual staff for the coming months."

In a statement of their own the first team said: "Leeds United is a family, this is the culture that has been created by everyone at the club, from the players and the board to the staff and the

supporters in the stands. We face uncertain times and therefore it is important that we all work together to find a way that the club can push through this period and end the season in the way we all hope we can. In the meantime, let’s work as one to listen to the government advice and the health service and beat this virus."

Director of football Victor Orta lauded the players, Marcelo Bielsa and his staff for putting the club first.

“My players have demonstrated an incredible sense of unity and togetherness and I am proud of their actions," he said.

"To Marcelo and his staff and all of the players, we thank them for putting our wider team first and taking care of family. Now we must focus on public health, and when the people are safe, finish what we started. Vamos carajo.”