Glentoran squad refuse to train over unpaid wages

The Oval

Glentoran players refused to train on Tuesday night because they have not been paid their wages.

The East Belfast club has run into cash flow problems on a few occasions in recent seasons and it is believed that in this instance players have not received their money for two months.

Club officials have declined to comment but it is understood that the coaching staff support the players' stance.

It remains unclear whether Thursday night's training session will go ahead.

The Glens are scheduled to play Ballinamallard United in the Premiership this weekend.

It was reported two weeks ago that Glentoran players were seeking assurances from the Oval Board after failing to receive their October wages.

It is understood that a letter was sent to to Glentoran officials at that stage, in which the first-team squad said they expected their contracts to be honoured.

The squad were seeking a commitment that wages will be paid and that if the problem persists, they would have the right to be released from their contracts.

Glentoran have approached McLean Bookmakers, one of their sponsors, and the company is considering providing the club with a cash advance as one option.

The club has been plagued by financial difficulties in recent years.

In February 2010, a £450,000 donation from a mystery benefactor helped prevent the club from being wound up.

The club also received a £60,000 loan from the Irish FA in May after they struggled to pay their players' wages for April.