Daniel Stendel says he feels taking no money from Hearts just now is the right thing to do after what owner Ann Budge did to save the club.
The German manager isn’t taking any wages from the Tynecastle club just now. It comes after Budge implemented 50% wage cuts across the board as the financial impact of the SPFL shutdown came to the fore.
Budge has made tough choices. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Instead of taking the deduction, Stendel’s opted to take nothing. In an interview in his homeland, the German has given reason for his humble gesture.
“I didn’t go without my salary to be generous or to make some great PR stunt,” he said. “In the short time I have been here, I’ve noticed the owner has given everything to the club.
“She saved the club from bankruptcy six years ago and is trying to keep everything alive because football is a very, very important part of life for the people of Scotland.
Appreciates Budge’s contributions. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“She appreciated my decision very much, she said the situation was critical and that money had to be saved. She didn’t know how the money could have been saved otherwise. Like in any other employment contract, there is no continuation clause if you have to stay at home. I slept on it for one night and then my decision was made.
“I don’t have to do without millions because the salary structure in Scotland is very different from that in Germany. For our club, it’s a lot though. There are enormous losses right now because the audience revenue is lost.”
Humble move
Stendel clearly appreciates the work Budge did to save Hearts from folding a few years ago now. It’s one of the driving forces behind his decision to sacrifice his own income.
Daniel Stendel has proven himself to be humble. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Clevid Dikamona has similarly endeared himself further to the Hearts support with his wage move. Instead of taking reduced pay, he’s left the Jambos for now in order to free up a wage.
Captain Steven Naismith has also accepted lower wages as some in maroon being to rally around the club as financial uncertainty beckons.