‘Big-earning’ players must deliver the goods

THERE was a big onus on players who were earning good money to give one hundred and ten per cent as they could “make or break” Sligo Rovers, said Albert Higgins at the club’s Annual General Meeting.

“The playing staff owe Sligo Rovers more than they have been giving,” he added.

Mr. Higgins made his comments as members considered a detailed financial report from Treasurer, Fergal Keaveney. This showed that gate receipts accounted for only twenty-one per cent of revenue.

“What should be making a lot of money is only generating that amount and that has to change.It begs a question of our supporters-we have so few of them in any event-and there is also a big onus on our team and team management,” he said.

“When we look at the figures it confirms the fact that a large percentage of funds are being brought into the club by a small number of people,” Mr. Higgins added.

He recalled that last year, gates had dropped by approximately 3,000 per match in the early stages.

“If we had a winning team, there would be gates of 7,000 or 8,000. There is a big onus on our players to give one hundred per cent.

“Anyone who was out in the Showgrounds last year knew our players were not giving as much as forty percent. They have a responsibility. They are earning good money and they have to give us one hundred and ten per cent,” Mr. Higgins went on.

He also praised those who went out raising funds for the club and who received no credit, but criticism.

“But for them, Sligo Rovers would be gone. We certainly need to improve our gates and that is where the players come in. They must perform on the pitch,” he maintained.