Players ready to call in PFA over delays

HEARTS first-team players will be checking their bank accounts today in hope as much as expectation. With the due date for their October wage packet having passed on the 16th, the latest suggestion is that the funds should be processed by the end of today. They say that, ideally, they would love to lay the matter to rest and focus on their football but, if the money is not paid up, then they will be pursuing matters with PFA Scotland, who are already keeping a watchful eye on their members’ current plight.

An almost monthly concern, the players say that, while they can accept money arriving a day or two late, they are no longer willing or able to countenance prolonged delays.

Frustrated by the club’s lack of accountability and aggrieved that they are being portrayed as mercenaries in some quarters simply for seeking the monies due them, they have already begun compiling evidence of late payments which could be included in any collective grievance raised with their employers and the SPL. The problem for football players seeking to take legal action is the complexities of the sport compared with accepted employment rules in other spheres.

While ongoing failure to pay wages would leave Hearts open to accusations that they are in breach of contract, in legal terms, the breach is nullified once payment goes through. As footballers they also have the added complication that Hearts hold their player registration players so it would not be as simple as simply walking away and finding a new club.

“We feel even although the story has been leaked, the club don’t seem to care,” said one player. “It’s water off a duck’s back to them now. We just want to be paid our basic wage – it’s not as though we are talking about bonuses – and I think people should understand that.”

“We are hoping the money will be there now,” said a team-mate, “but if not we will talk about what we do next. Whatever we do, we have to do it together. But we just want to play football. Here there is always something else to think about, though.”