Brown asked to leave as Clyde reveal survival fears

Published on Tuesday 12 May 2009 22:51

DEBT-RIDDEN Clyde have asked manager John Brown to step down as they face having to terminate the contracts of all their full-time players.

The Cumbernauld club have revealed they are still dogged by the financial problems that almost saw them evicted from Broadwood Stadium last month. They were nearly left homeless over unpaid rent debts of 140,000 before an agreement was reached with the local council. Directors agreed to reduce rent arrears by 40,000 immediately, with the remainder to be paid over the next 19 months. But a shortfall of around 100,000 exists and Clyde – recently relegated from the Irn-Bru First Division after a poor season on the pitch as well – see no option other than to make cutbacks and turn part-time next term.

A statement on the club's official website, www.clydefc.co.uk, read: "The recently-reported financial difficulties of the club have not gone away.

"Much of the budget deficit for the season remains and confirmation of relegation last week added to the financial woes.

"The club has been in discussion with players and other stakeholders to avert an extension of the financial crisis. Now that the season has ended and relegation has been confirmed, the club requires to re-adjust its cost base to survive in the Second Division.

"This morning, the players were all asked to attend a meeting at the stadium where they were brought up to date with the current position. The manager was similarly briefed by directors on Monday. During these discussions, the club revealed that all contracts would require to be reviewed or ended to allow the club to restructure for next season at a fraction of current levels."

Brown, whose contract has a year left to run, is reluctant to leave his post after being offered just a month's wages to go. The former Rangers player is speaking to his lawyers in a bid to resolve the situation.

"The finances are poor and they are looking to cut the debt and get rid of players," said Brown last night.

"They have made me an offer and I'm dealing with it with my lawyers. That is the state of affairs. But I still want to be manager of Clyde, although we have been relegated.

"I can't really comment any further. I'm speaking to people and we'll see what happens."

The Clyde statement added: "Efforts continue in the business community and elsewhere to find additional backing for next season, but following a disappointing season on the park and the effects of the economic downturn off the park, the board has had to acknowledge that the prospects of finding adequate additional funding to maintain the current squad are very low.

"In the absence of any significant support then the cost base of the club has to be reduced."