Town’s out of contract players are reportedly "fuming" at chief executive Simon Clegg’s comment last week insisting that the club wouldn’t be held to ransom over their new deals. Clegg has been involved in negotiating terms with a number of senior professionals with manager Paul Jewell revealing on Saturday that several are close to signing.
Speaking last Thursday, Clegg said: "Paul is very clear he's not going to be held to ransom by any player. He is heavily involved in determining the level we make on the contract negotiations.
"He recognises, like myself, we have the responsibility to run this club within a budget that is acceptable to the owner."
A source close to club is reported to have told the Evening Star that the players reacted angrily to Clegg’s comments: "The players were left fuming after reading that. The club has done little to get contract talks moving for months, and the players have been patiently waiting.
"Money is not the main factor and they are not asking for the earth. Lesser professionals in similar situations would have feigned an injury or two by now to ensure they were fit to take on a challenge with a new club next season.
"But there has been none of that. Players are keen to stay and they have families that are keen to stay.”
After Saturday’s game Jewell was at pains to dismiss the suggestion that players were holding the club to ransom, as reported by TWTD this morning, and praised them for their professionalism.
The Blues boss said Damien Delaney has agreed his deal and should formally sign today or tomorrow, while Gareth McAuley, Colin Healy, Brian Murphy and Arran Lee-Barrett have all been offered terms and as of the end of last week talks were continuing with skipper David Norris.
Meanwhile, midfielder Grant Leadbitter hasn't yet been ruled out of Thursday's local derby with Norwich despite having been hospitalised with a head injury during Saturday's 1-0 win at Bristol City.