Jermain Johnson must take a major pay cut if he is to remain at Boundary Park. When he signed for Athletic the club matched the pay he was earning at Burnden Park but, although Johnson is keen to sign up again for next season, the club just cannot afford his current wages. JJ missed the last two games through suspension but still managed to score some vital goals in Athletic’s fight to stave off relegation. As Brian Talbot has to work within a budget, Johnson will be among several players who’s futures are likely to be discussed at today’s board meeting.JJ must take a massive pay cut to remain at Boundary Park
Jermain Johnson must take a major pay cut if he is to remain at Boundary Park. When he signed for Athletic the club matched the pay he was earning at Burnden Park but, although Johnson is keen to sign up again for next season, the club just cannot afford his current wages. JJ missed the last two games through suspension but still managed to score some vital goals in Athletic’s fight to stave off relegation. As Brian Talbot has to work within a budget, Johnson will be among several players who’s futures are likely to be discussed at today’s board meeting.Talbot commented, “We can’t pay JJ what he was on with a Premiership club, but I don’t think anyone would expect us to. I don’t know at this stage whether he’ll be here next season. If he isn’t prepared to accept less money, he will make my mind up for me.” Although Talbot was sometimes annoyed with JJ’s “cool, laid back style” he also realised that the Jamaican forward added some “jerk” spice to their dormant front line.