Norwich City’s playing squad have joined forces with their colleagues across the Premier League to distribute funds directly to the NHS.

View this post on Instagram

#PlayersTogether

A post shared by Tom Trybull (@tomtrybull) on

The issue of player wage deferrals during the on going global pandemic has led to prolonged talks between the players’ union and key stakeholders in the game as English football tries to deal with the potential ramifications.

But now the players have moved to set up an organisation designed to collectively work with the NHS Charities Together - which is the umbrella organisation for over 150 registered NHS charities.

In a statement released by the players they said: “#PlayersTogether is about we, the players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.

“The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the frontline to support in a number of ways, including to enhance the well being of NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by Covid-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need both now and in the longer term.”

Premier League footballers have come in for criticism from politicians and the wider public over the issue of possible deferrals during the coronavirus shutdown.

The latest move follows on from Canaries’ captain Grant Hanley and the rest of the City squad agreeing to pledge £200,000 to help individuals and charities impacted by coronavirus in Norfolk.

But the likes of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, along with his fellow top flight captains, had been pressing for direct action in recent days.

“Over the course of the last week, we as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where it is needed most; helping those fighting for us on the frontline.

“This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way we can. After extensive conversations we have created our own collective player initiative.”