Ex-Rangers forward Steven Naismith agrees to Hearts wage cut

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Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith has sent an emotional message to the supporters of current club Hearts as the Tynecastle captain agrees to a wage cut.

The Jambos are one of a number of clubs who’re going to be affected by the domestic league shutdown caused by the global pandemic currently rocking Europe.

Hearts had previously asked their staff to take a 50% wage cut to stave off the financial difficulties which come with not being able to host football matches.

“My family and I feel that, through a long career, football has been very good to us,” said Naismith [Hearts].

“Therefore, I personally feel that I can and should accept the 50% reduction in wages.

“I hope this can contribute in some way to the long-term survival of the club at a challenging time and save jobs, especially those that are the lowest earners and hence those who will be struggling the most at this time.

“I know every one of my team-mates have unique circumstances with their finances, homes and families. I can assure everyone they are all doing what they can.

“As captain of Hearts, I will fully support my team-mates, whatever decision each of them makes on this matter.

“I am making a commitment to stay at Hearts, regardless of which league the club is in, next season and look forward to continuing to lead as captain. I consider it an honour to represent Hearts.”

Naismith’s move to publicly endorse the Tynecastle wage cut comes as current boss Daniel Stendel offered to work for free during the crisis [Scottish Sun].

It’s a nice touch from the Hearts captain and one which comes despite how he is viewed amongst the Rangers support.

Naismith was a fan favourite at Ibrox but infamously jumped ship in 2012, sacrilegiously claiming Rangers were a new club.

It’s made Naismith a much-maligned figure at Ibrox which has not always worked in the club’s favour, with the feisty forward regularly putting in inspired performances against his old side.

Clubs across Scotland have been rocked by the crisis but an inside club source told a Scottish press outlet [Not the Old Firm] that the government’s plans to pay 80% of wages will help the nation’s football teams.