Struggling Clyde call on manager to quit

DEBT-ridden Clyde have asked manager John Brown to step down as they face having to terminate the contracts of all their full-time players.

The Cumbernauld club today revealed they are still dogged by the financial problems that almost saw them evicted from Broadwood Stadium last month.

They are struggling with a shortfall of around £100,000 and insist they have no option but to turn part-time following their relegation from the Irn-Bru First Division.

A statement on the club's official website, www.clydefc.co.uk, read: "The recently-reported financial difficulties of the club have not gone away.

"Much of the budget deficit for the season remains and confirmation of relegation last week added to the financial woes.

"The club has been in discussion with players and other stakeholders to avert an extension of the financial crisis.

"Now that the season has ended and relegation has been confirmed, the club requires to re-adjust its cost base to survive in the Second Division.

"This morning, the players were all asked to attend a meeting at the stadium where they were brought up to date with the current position. The manager was similarly briefed by directors on Monday.

"During these discussions, the club revealed that all contracts would require to be reviewed or ended to allow the club to restructure for next season at a fraction of current levels."

Brown, whose contract has a year left to run, is reportedly reluctant to leave his post after being offered just a month's wages to go.

The statement added: "Efforts continue in the business community and elsewhere to find additional backing for next season, but following a disappointing season on the park and the effects of the economic downturn off the park, the board has had to acknowledge that the prospects of finding adequate additional funding to maintain the current squad are very low.

"In the absence of any significant support then the cost base of the club has to be reduced."