EWOOD Park staff have been left fearing for their jobs after Venky’s suggested the sacking of deputy chief executive Paul Hunt was the start of a series of cost- cutting measures.

Hunt was dismissed from his post on Wednesday morning after an explosive letter he wrote in December to owner Mrs Desai had been leaked, but Venky’s insist that was not the reason for his exit.

Co-owner Venkatesh Rao said Hunt had to leave “to bring the budget down” before again refuting reports that they have put the club up for sale.

Venky’s or Hunt were not available for comment when contacted by the Lancashire Telegraph but his interview with Indian TV station TimesNow has left Ewood staff fearing the axe.

Ewood insiders told the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday everyone has been left fearing they could be next, as the real effect of relegation begins to hit home.

Few within Ewood feel safe as they await the expected next moves to slash costs with the current silence from India doing little to reassure anyone.

There is also expected to be a mass player exodus as the poultry giants continue their attempts to reduce the wage bill of the squad.

Hunt’s departure has also left Ewood staff with no figurehead to report to as they are left wondering who is charge of the day to day running of the football club.

Kean moved to dismiss reports that the club were looking to cut costs by as much as 40 per cent on Wednesday but Rao’s explanation for Hunt’s dismissal has left all staff anxiously looking over their shoulders.

Hunt’s fellow directors are seeking answers themselves to what is happening at Ewood Park, although it is understood they are not reconsidering their futures.

Director and trusted family friend Vineeth Rao arrived at Venky’s HQ in Pune yesterday and is expected to report back to the hierarchy at Ewood Park within the next few days.

Hunt’s leaked email caused huge embarrassment for the club, as he called for manager Steve Kean’s sacking, talked of financial problems and appealed for more communication from the owners.

He departed less than 24 hours after the document had been made public but co owner Rao was adamant that had nothing to do with his departure.

He said to TimesNow: “It is not sacking because of that. Some staff have to be. We have to bring the budget down, it is nothing to do with it (the letter).”

When asked about the growing anger of fans and reports of the club being up for sale, Rao said: “Each one has their own right “Every supporter has got a different idea. Naturally we got relegated and so some want to do that (protest). The fans have the right to do whatever they want.

“It is bound to happen, the criticism (in the media). There is nobody to be blamed.

“It is a company of ours and there is nothing in it (being up for sale). These allegations are not correct.”