Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips admits he 'fears for the club's financial stability' the longer the football suspension continues.
The English football season has been suspended indefinitely as the country tackles the coronavirus pandemic and Sunderland are one of many Football League clubs feeling the economic pinch.
Yesterday saw Sunderland place players and backroom staff on furlough leave, with just a small number of staff, including manager Phil Parkinson, continuing to work from home.
While on furlough, the government's job retention scheme sees employees who are on furlough receive 80 per cent of their pay up to £2,500 per month, while the club reiterated its commitment to pay their staff in full.
But without the revenue from ticket gates, Phillips holds genuine fears for the club's financial stability.
“I know how big the club is but the finances are nowhere near the Championship clubs or Premier League clubs,” he told Football Insider.
“These players still earn decent money up there, though.
“To put everyone on furlough leave is a big decision and it will come under criticism from some quarters. I just hope this does not continue for months. They would not do it unless it was completely necessary.
“You would fear for the club’s financial stability if this was to go on. The finances were a concern when Stewart Donald took it over, not the situation we are in now. It will be a big worry. Where is the money coming from? They rely heavily on the big crowd up there.”
