Llanelli players' strike threat
LLANELLI Football Club chairman Nitin Parekh made some payments to players last night after they threatened to go on strike against Haverforwest.
Members of the Reds squad had gone two months without wages and were considering boycotting this evening's Word Cup clash at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
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Andy Legg
It is unclear how much of the outstanding money has been received and whether the strike is still on.
Frustration has grown within the Llanelli dressing room after Parekh set and missed a number of deadlines for payment.
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If Llanelli do refuse to play tonight they will be thrown out of the Word Cup and fined up to £10,000.
Such a penalty would only intensify the club's financial problems which have been mounting over several months. Llanelli are also believed to owe money to a number of other creditors.
The Reds players held an emergency meeting before Saturday's Welsh Premier League 4-1 defeat to Bala amid rumours they would also boycott that match.
They played only after receiving a written assurance from Parekh that they would be paid before this evening's match against the Bluebirds. Captain Antonio Corbisiero led his team out five minutes after Bala entered the field in a deliberate display of unrest.
After the match, the home side remained locked in their dressing room while Bala made their way out of Stebonheath Park.
When Andy Legg, assistant Steve Jenkins and coach Gary Lloyd did emerge, the Llanelli manager refused interviews and indicated he would not remain in charge of the club.
Club officials were yesterday unsure whether Legg had officially resigned from his post.
Players' contracts become null and void if they go three months without pay.
The Welsh Premier League are currently negotiating with Parekh on the players' behalf.
He was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Post yesterday.
Llanelli's predicament comes months after the demise of another Welsh Premier League club, Neath, because of financial troubles.
"This is not representative of the league in general. There are some very well run clubs in the Welsh Premier," said league secretary Gwyn Derfel. "I'm still hoping the situation with Llanelli can be resolved, both from a league perspective and for the people involved."
Meanwhile, Afan Lido travel to Newtown and Carmarthen visit MacWhirter Welsh League outfit Bryntirion in other Word Cup fixtures tonight.
Comments
by hacker_jack
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 2:03PM
“Nothing to do with the Swans immigrant, these clubs get as good gates as they ever did, it's purely that they have been badly run for years and the investment that there was has dried up.”
by JerryLew
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 2:00PM
“Hi immigrant1.
Since out of town shopping -city centres have been in decline.
Since local large supermarkets local town centres have suffered.
Since cheap booze in supermarkets local pubs are suffering.
Since increasing availability in fast food obesity is fast rising – I think at a last count Gorseinon had 20 takeaway outlets!
I'm sure there are many other cases.
But….
Since The Swans got Premier League status there has been a huge increase in visitors to Wales.
Since the Ryder Cup in Wales – massive boost to the Welsh economy.
Since the Welsh Rugby Grand Slam – very positive boost for Wales in general.
Cardiff FC – doing well so far this season.
London 2012 Olympics & ParaOlympics – big boost for the whole of UK.
So to end my post I feel that success in all sports only does our country positives. When we look at the "negatives" I opened up with these are all controllable by local/central government.
So with Llanelli AFC average attendance 2010/11 being 224 – surely the Swans success the following season did not have a massive impact on this. Llanelli AFC have not had a good start to this season – maybe their problems are closer to home.”
by immigrant1
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 12:21PM
“Since Swansea City got to the Premier League, it seems that the nearest clubs to them have run into financial difficulties.”