Mommers issues Vitesse warning
Friday, August 22, 2003
Article summary
SBV Vitesse's interim manager Theo Mommers has announced a new survival plan for the troubled Dutch club.
Article body
SBV Vitesse's interim manager, Theo Mommers, has announced a drastic survival plan for the club, who are faced with a budget shortage because of disappointing levels of season-ticket sales and sponsorship income.
Wage reduction
The plan consists of sacking half the club's 59 non-playing staff and reducing players' wages. "This is not a nice day for this club, but this is about the survival of Vitesse," Mommers said. "With these measures I not only want to take care of a balanced budget for this season, but also for years to come."
Players sold
Although the club have sold Dejan Stefanovic to Portsmouth FC, Bob Peeters to Millwall FC and sent Theo Janssens on loan to KRC Genk they need to cut wages further to bring down costs by €1.5m. The reduction in the club's non-playing staff is needed to save a similar amount. "Otherwise it is over for us," Mommers said.
Loan decision
Mommers hopes to present a balanced budget to Arnhem city council, which is due to decide whether to proceed with a €4.6m loan to the club as part of a rescue plan intended to save the club and their Gelredome stadium.
