Alkmaar players reject pay cut

Cutting costs
In a letter to club president Dirk Scheringa, the players said they were willing to consider other cost-cutting measures instead. "We told the club we do not want to accept a 30 per cent pay cut," said defender Peter Wijker, acting as spokesman for the players.

'Difficult situation'
"Of course we understand the difficult situation at the club, and we want to co-operate in finding a solution," he continued. "But you have to discuss things first and that is different to the one option the club suggested. The club must let us know before 6 June if they want to negotiate, because that is the day the licence for next season must be arranged."

Temporary licence
Last week Alkmaar announced a series of measures aimed at balancing their budget after the Royal Netherlands Football Association only gave the club a temporary licence for next season.

Stadium setback
Alkmaar's financial troubles stem from continuing problems with their new Kooimeerplaza stadium. They had hoped to have the venue ready for the start of the 2003/04 campaign but a series of hearings and appeals - which are finally over - delayed the building process until at least 2005.

Adriaanse worried
Meanwhile, coach Co Adriaanse said he was disappointed the club could not meet their ambitions. "I will have to decide if I want to stay here. There is no money for transfers, the new stadium will not be ready during the time of my contract, and the squad does not look as strong as it was when I signed," said Adriaanse, who has a contract until 2005.