Green calls in SFA to hold on to players
Steven Whittaker and Steven Naismith announced today that they won’t be transferring their contracts to Green’s Sevco.
Both players highlighted uncertainty over what level the new club would play at as well as a lack of communication with Green since his CVA was rejected by HMRC.
Green will meet with the SPFA tomorrow in an attempt to ensure that the players have their contracts transferred using TUPE legislation but has made it clear that he’ll fight all the way to prevent any player from walking away.
“It is a great pity that certain players have chosen this time to attempt to tear up their contracts and walk away from the Club,” the former Sheffield United chief said.
“The Club is facing massive challenges in terms of its league status and the last thing the fans want to see is a dispute between the Club and players.
“However, it appears that is the route several players are choosing. I can assure those players and Clubs who may be interested in signing them that Rangers will seek damages for breach of contract and for inducement to break contracts.
“The SFA has been considering the issue and has issued a preliminary guidance note on registration issues. That note has made it clear that it is open to the Club to challenge the actions of the players.
“Our lawyers have written to the SFA today intimating that we do challenge the actions of the players and explaining why that is. They have also asked that the SFA confirm how it proposes to resolve the dispute between the players and Club.”
Green added: “We have no wish to go to court on these matters but the players involved, their agents and clubs who may be pursuing these players should be in no doubt that we will do whatever it takes to protect the Club’s interests.
“As Ally McCoist said yesterday the players should be honest about their intentions. When the players agreed to take wage cuts earlier this year they renegotiated their contracts to allow them to leave for reduced values.
“That was a sensible quid pro quo and meant that the Club would still get some transfer value for them should they leave.
“What is happening now is that the players want to leave for nothing, thereby denying the Club any transfer value at all.
“At the same time, players who are ready to breach their contracts want to secure handsome signing on fees for other clubs, while Rangers get nothing.”
It’s expected that at least half a dozen more first team players are ready to inform Green that they won’t be agreeing to have their contracts transferred to Sevco.
CLICK HERE for McCoist hits out at players honesty
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