ABERDEEN chairman Dave Cormack says that the club have started speaking to players and coaching staff about the introduction of temporary wage cuts in order for the Pittodrie side to survive the "stark" financial situation.

Cormack admitted that the Dons had to change their approach after realising that fans are unlikely to be permitted into stadiums in large numbers until January 2020, with the club originally planning for supporters to return to grounds in September.

He stressed that the decision has been taken to ensure that staff members on low incomes are protected and the long-term financial longevity of the club is safeguarded.

He said: “Throughout this challenging period, the board has pledged to do what it can to safe-guard jobs, protect those on lower incomes, ensure the economic viability of the Club and support the Trust’s community outreach campaign that is providing for those most in need.

“Our initial assumptions were that we’d get back to playing football in front of crowds in September. The reality is that we now face playing games behind closed doors and, perhaps, with limited crowds until at least January.

“We said right at the start of this that no club, not even one as financially robust as Aberdeen, could withstand a collapse of income that extended beyond September. Back playing in front of fans, hopefully in January 2021, will mean a ten-month period with limited income. The financial situation we therefore face is stark. 

“I am confident that the board, management, staff and players will continue to pull together to do what’s best for the Club. Our goal remains to do everything we can to look after our people and continue to invest in the success of our Club on the field.”