SUNDERLAND'S stars have been thanked by chairman Bob Murray for declining the offer of receiving an advance on their wage deferrals.

In August the players agreed to deferrals in a bid to help the Black Cats through a spell which threatened the club's future.

Those wages would be gradually paid back with all cash raised from any lucrative FA Cup run.

However, having reached the fifth round, Mick McCarthy's men have decided to wait until August for their repayment in a bid to further stabilise finances at the Stadium of Light, where debts are still around £30m.

Murray is delighted with the players' attitudes, particularly after recent events like those at Leeds United.

The Leeds playing staff initially rejected proposals of a 35 per cent wage deferral as the club seemed destined to go into administration, although there has since been a change of heart.

Murray said: "When you see so many critical things written about players these days, their decision tells you something about the players we have now.

"These players aren't on £65,000 a week like some at other clubs; they are on Division One salaries.

"This is an initiative that's come from the training ground - it was not asked for. That is why it is a very significant gesture, particularly when other clubs have struggled in this area."

Sunderland are guaranteed a windfall of at least £265,000 for their FA Cup clash with Premiership side Birmingham on Wearside a week today as it is being televised live on BBC.

Having disposed of Ipswich in round four, the players were due to receive a cash payout like the one handed to them following their third round success over Hartlepool last month.

Murray said: "The players contacted the club and said they were happy to wait until August for the rest of their money and did not want to receive money from Ipswich, Birmingham and any other future games in the Cup.

"To a man the players have all said they'll stick to the original plan and be paid in full in August instead to help the club out."

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