YORK City coach Luther Blissett has urged players at his former club, Watford, to take a pay-cut to help save the Hornets from bankruptcy.

Bosses at Vicarage Road are asking players to take a 12 per cent pay cut as part of a £9.5million cost-cutting exercise designed to stave off administration.

Former Hornets star Blissett believes the wage cuts will be met with opposition from the players. But he urged them to put the club first.

"I can't see too many players being happy but if it means they will have a job they will have to look at it from that view.

"Players have to look at themselves and make sure the club survive."

Players' boss Gordon Taylor has threatened to withdraw funding to Nationwide League clubs if they are not prepared to honour contracts.

Updated: 12:00 Wednesday, September 25, 2002