Southampton have become the first Premier League club to announce that they have reached an agreement with the players over wage deferrals during the coronavirus crisis.

Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Norwich City have taken the Government Coronavirus scheme to pay some of their non-playing staff, while Liverpool made a u-turn in their decision to put some of their staff on furlough.

The Saints, however, have announced today that they have taken measures to help the club and non-playing staff through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Southampton’s players, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and his coaching staff have agreed to defer part of their salaries for the months of April, May and June so that the club can pay the full salary of their non-playing staff.

Many Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to respond to the club’s statement. And it seems they are delighted with the step taken by the club.

As usual, leading by example. ❤ my club!

— Warren Noyce