York Rugby League Club were today trying to thrash out a package deal to pay cash owed to players amid a growing feeling of unrest at the club.

Wasps are already operating under a transfer embargo until Wakefield Trinity receive outstanding cash for the transfer of Mick Ramsden, and last night club officials held a meeting to discuss the financial plight.

After the meeting involving chief executive Phil Elliott, general manager Mick Scaife, and director Ken Hunter, a delegation of players were told of the club's proposals for paying outstanding money and their wages for the rest of the season.

It is understood that the proposals involved paying players a percentage of cash currently owed, with that percentage to be decided in the next few days, followed by further money if Wasps gain promotion. And it is believed that the suggestion went down badly with the players, with some in the mood to quit the club.

One player, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "They would not speak to all the players so certain representatives went to speak to Phil Elliott and Ken Hunter.

"What they said was the players would not be paid and would have to play the last seven games for nothing, and if we get promoted we would get paid in full and double our bonus.

"They have offered to pay a percentage of the wages this month and after paying that percentage we would carry on playing and hope we get promotion.

"They said the future of York Rugby league club was safe if we get promotion, but everything else is a risk. It was either play for nothing and get promoted or that's it. Most of the players reaction was 'that's it'. The future sound bleak and everybody walked out absolutely disgusted."

Another player, commenting on Elliott's percentage offer, said: "You cannot run a club like that. York are in the best position they have been for years, two points off the top of the league.

"Even if they pay us on Tuesday there are too many players who have said that's it. They are not going to have the same thing next month.

"There are lads that are owed £1,500 or £2,000. They will not play seven games for nothing."

The Evening Press was unable to contact Elliott today, and Scaife and Hunter were not prepared to comment.

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