Players turn down United's paltry offer

Whittaker: Desperate offer

United's out-of-contract players are believed to have turned down an offer of half of their remaining wages following a crisis meeting at Brunton Park today.

Director Andrea Whittaker is thought to have offered the players a cheque which would have represented less than 50% of their salary until the end of their contracts on June 30. The period covered is understood to be 13 weeks, including last month's wages which have not yet been paid.

The club's financial crisis appears to have taken a turn for the worse amid speculation that administration or receivership may be the only way out. If the players can't be paid, they are allowed to leave the club as free agents, including those on long-term contracts such as Irish-born players Richie Foran and Will McDonagh.

Today's news that ITV Digital is to shut down it's pay-TV operation from midnight means Football League clubs are likely to have to go without any of the money owed them by the collapsed broadcaster unless another company such as Sky or the BBC step into the breach. The shortfall for United will be approximately £250,000 over the next two seasons.

Slade rules out United interest

United's official website stands accused of 'inventing' managerial candidates after Scarborough's Russell Slade denied he had any contact with the Cumbrians over their vacant manager's hotseat.

The website led with a story yesterday that Slade was the latest applicant for the position, adding his name to those of Shaun Teale, Kevin Sheedy and Edson Silva, amongst others.

Slade said he was committed to helping the Seadogs climb back into the Football League after taking over at the McCain Stadium midway through last season and steering them to safety in the Conference.

"We have only just started the job at Scarborough. I'm looking forward to carrying that job forward next season. Next season we will be pushing on again," he said.

Scarborough chairman Malcolm Reynolds said: "We are keeping Russell Slade. He is the man and we want him to stay. There is bound to be speculation about his future after what he has achieved here. But if he is going anywhere it would not be Carlisle."

Any new manager will have to work with very restricted funds and would only be able to sign players on free transfers. The ruling Knighton family have already dropped hints that they will rely on YTS players if the Brunton Park cash crisis continues.

Picture from News & Star