'I would tell Hearts to **** off': Ex-Hibs star accuses Ann Budge over wage-cut plans

Tam McManus insists club are looking to trim expenses after living outwith their means

Former Hibs striker Tam McManus says he would tell Ann Budge to "f*** off" if he were a member of the Hearts squad told they needed to take a 50 per cent wage cut.

The ex-pro-turned-pundit has accused the Tynecastle owner of trying to simply dump wages after spending 'outwith the club's means'.

Budge introduced the plan in a statement on Wednesday. All staff, including players and coaches, will be offered a 50 per cent cut, or they can try and reach a deal to have their contract terminated immediately. Though no employees will be left earning money below the Real Living Wage following the cuts.

Hearts owner Ann Budge with manager Daniel Stendel. Picture: SNS

Scottish football has been shut down indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. Uefa has called on all association leagues to finish their domestic seasons by the end of June, though Budge believes it could be until August or September before games can be played again.

The Hearts chief says she's taken such measures to avoid financial meltdown in Gorgie, though McManus has questioned whether this could have been avoided with better financial management from the owner.

He wrote on Twitter: "Seems a convenient way to dump some ‘excess baggage’ ie a HUGE wage bill run up by a succession of managers. This just doesn’t sit well with me at all."

"I would tell the club to f*** off. I have done so in the past when asked to take a 50 per cent wage cut.

"You sign a contract you honour it or pay it off in full. My loyalty is to myself/family. No loyalty whatsoever in football. Clubs treat players like s***e when not wanted."

Responding to a Hearts fan, he added: "The club clearly living outwith their means to be in this situation so early on & depending on a (unbudgeted) semi-final.

"Much is Stendel on? Boyce? How many coaches have you got? Oh and if you don’t take a 50 per cent cut your bumped."