With clubs continuing to cut their budgets, squad numbers are being reduced ahead of the forthcoming season.
PFA Scotland's Warren Hawke admits that he has genuine concerns about the future of his members.
"We had a monthly meeting the other day and we were saying that every year at this time we say to the press that it is the worst year ever - and again, this year is the worst ever," he said.
"We are very aware of the restrictions clubs are under and we are very worried for our members.
"It's difficult to put exact figures on it but there could be over 400 players freed this summer.
"We have to tell players to be aware that clubs are cutting back and that if they do have an offer, make sure that they take that offer sooner rather than later and if they don't make sure that they have something else lined up."
Hawke, a former Morton and Queen of the South striker and now key to the commercial operations of PFA Scotland, reiterated the need for players to use some of the services provided by his organisation.
"Players will be getting a lot of advice across the board, from friends, family, clubs, representatives and mentors," he said.
"What we would say is pick up the phone and call us, we we will be happy to give the objective advice that sometimes is needed.
"We have said before that if players are training Tuesday and Thursday and playing at the weekend, then we would advise them to see their football as a supplementary income and to get a day job.
"The PFA can help them with that, we have a lot of contacts and again, all they need to do is to pick up the phone.
"Part-time money can be decent and if they have a full-time job as well then they can make better money than full-time professionals at the lower levels."
Source: Team Talk
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