Northampton Town's players and coaching staff have chosen to forgo their appearance fees and bonuses for reaching the play offs in a show of support for and solidarity with the club and the supporters.
At the start of each season a bonus schedule is agreed at every club that will reward players and staff for onfield success, such as league position, reaching the play offs or winning promotion. However, despite reaching the play offs, the players and coaching staff have taken the view that the appearance fees and bonuses were agreed based on expected income coming in, and they recognise that the opportunity for promotion is going to cost the club money rather than generate income.
With that in mind, the players and staff have decided to forgo their appearance fees and bonuses, and manager Keith Curle said it was the right thing to do and in keeping with the integrity of the club.
"The response from supporters and season ticket holders who have been telling the club to keep their ticket money has been very humbling and shows a fantastic understanding of what this club is all about in the community and the values the club has," he said.
"From the owners to the supporters and the people who work at the club, this is a very, very good club to work for.
"The honesty, integrity and clarity that the owners have and have shared with us has been first class and the understanding to make this decision comes from how the Chairman, Directors and staff have acted.
"The supporters can see that, they want to play their part and as players and as coaching staff we want to play our part too. We are all in this together, we all want to do what we can to lessen the burden.
"It is great news that the play offs should be able to happen, but because of the circumstances, this year that comes with a considerable cost to the club. As a squad and a staff we want to do all we can to lessen that burden and to help however we can. This gesture is very much in keeping with that spirit."