Midfielder Jim Magilton says he doesn't expect to be offered a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season. The Northern Irishman is one of four senior players whose contracts are up in June.

Magilton says: "The reality is the club are unlikely to be able to offer me anything and I understand and have to accept that."

The former international skipper joined Town from Saturday's opponents Sheffield Wednesday in March 1999, initially on loan before a £685,000 fee was agreed with the Owls.

He says he has enjoyed his spell at Town with the fans amongst many highlights: "I have had a wonderful four years on the whole. I want to thank the fans and other players who have helped me get through the low times on and off the pitch.

"These are the best set of fans I have ever played under without a shadow of a doubt.

"They are the most loyal set of supporters I have ever known and what is astonishing to me is the spectrum of supporters. They range from babies to grandparents and that really surprised me. But they have all been wonderfully supportive and I have had a wonderful, wonderful time here."

Richard Naylor, Fabian Wilnis and Mark Venus will also see their contracts expire in June. With the club in its current position it seems unlikely that new deals will be offered unless the financial situation changes dramatically by the summer.

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