GILLINGHAM players have not received a penny in bonuses for one and a half seasons, it has emerged. The squad have continued to make personal sacrifices as financial constraints tightened.

The players have met with Bobby Barnes, South East representative of their union, the Professional Footballers’ Association, after player-manager Andy Hessenthaler disclosed that while this month’s wages will be paid, the club could be struggling to pay November’s.

One player said: “All the players feel it important that supporters are made aware that the players are doing their best for the club - on and off the field.

“We have agreed to defer and defer again our bonuses and have not received a penny for one and a half seasons. The Gillingham players are not earning anywhere near some of the figures that you read about in the national press and this is certainly not the case of players riding roughshod over a football club.

“We have mortgages and need to pay bills every month just like everyone else. We’re doing everything we can to help.”

Mr Barnes added: “The most important thing is that Gillingham have done the sensible thing and got us involved early. In this particular instance, the club does not have huge debts outside of the footballing debts which has been the case at other clubs.

“Talks are still going on with the club and players and it would be unfair to publicly discuss what options are under discussion.”