Pay structure is underlying cause of relegation fear, says Blues boss (From Thurrock Gazette)

Dicks anger at players who have "laid down and died" instead of fighting

9:38am Friday 12th March 2010 in News

ALTHOUGH Grays boss Julian Dicks has not given up on saving troubled Grays Athletic from the drop into the Blue Square South, he’s angry that “overpaid” New Rec players have made life difficult for the club this season.

Grays are bottom of the table and, although they’re got 11 matches remaining, look unlikely to get the rush of points they need.

Dicks blasted the players and pay structure at the full-time club which meant that when he took over there were, he said, too many players along for the ride.

“When I took over the players were not fit enough and the wage structure was ridiculous,” he said.

“Players were earning too much. I am interested in players who are going to give 110 per cent. But too many of the players I inherited just laid down and died.

“The credit crunch has hit everyone and football is not immune.

“But the club is more important than any of the players.”

Dicks hinted that whatever the situation next year, he will bring in people he wants.

* Tomorrow Grays host Hayes and Yeading.

Fixtures: AFC Wimbledon v Eastbourne, Altrincham v York, Cambridge Utd v Histon, Crawley Tn v Ebbsfleet United, Grays v Hayes & Yeading, Luton v Wrexham, Mansfield v Tamworth, Oxford Utd v Kettering, Rushden & Diamnds v Gateshead.