With football in lockdown it is an uncertain time for players across Scotland.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the game being suspended and there’s no indication when or if this season may be completed.
No games means Scottish clubs have seen their main revenue stream turned off for the foreseeable future.
Since the shutdown, players have been left to wonder how much longer their clubs will be able to pay their wages and what might happen when contracts expire at the end of May.
Peterhead captain Scott Brown is on PFA Scotland’s management committee and says even though football is a secondary concern as the country tackles Covid-19, footballers are concerned about whether they will get their wages in the weeks and months ahead.
The Blue Toon skipper said: “All the boys at clubs everywhere will be concerned and it’s understandable because when it comes to wages and contracts nobody really knows what could happen.
“I don’t want to pre-empt anything but at Peterhead I think we’re at a good club who I know are working hard and trying to do their best for us.
“But I know there are still questions for players of ‘will my wages be paid?’
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all about money in this situation, but everyone still has bills to pay.
“When it comes to contracts boys won’t be sure if they’re coming or going or what could happen so it’s not a nice time.
“But let’s be clear, football is not the most important thing at this time.
“Football is very much secondary and it’s about people’s health and getting through this and as many people as possible being OK.
“First and foremost we need to make sure we’re looking after ourselves and looking after others at this difficult time.
“But life goes on to some extent and people still have bills to pay and there is the thought of ‘will we get paid?’
“And every club has had their main income stream shut off and we don’t know what may happen and quite how long there may be no games so it’s a tricky time for everyone.”
Brown is on PFA Scotland’s management committee, which is made up of nine players from across the SPFL and chaired by St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig.
The 25-year-old says any player with concerns should contact the union for advice, support and guidance.
The Peterhead skipper appreciates many players will have questions about what the future holds and hopes PFA Scotland will be able to help provide some answers.
Brown added: “The union will always be there for players no matter what happens throughout this.
“The union is there for the players.
“Theoretically players should be getting paid because they have signed contracts.
“But we know the situation is difficult for the clubs so it might be difficult.
“But the union will always be here to help players in any way it can and I would encourage any player in Scotland to join the union.
“There is some uncertainty and talk of no football until September potentially so we don’t know what clubs will do if that is the case.
“Whether it’s part-time clubs or full-time clubs they will all be losing out on vital income so it’s an uncertain time for a lot of players.”
