Right-back Carlos Edwards is reported to be frustrated that Town are yet to offer him a new contract. The 33-year-old Trinidadian is one of 11 players whose terms are up at the end of the campaign*.
Speaking last week, manager Paul Jewell said he had held talks with the former Sunderland man and that he was OK with the situation: "I spoke to Carlos on Sunday and he’s quite happy to see how things go.
"He just wants to make sure we’re safe, we’re all right and we’ll have a chat nearer the date [of the end of his contract].”
However, a source close to the player is reported to have said that that’s far from the case with Edwards, who is keen to end his career with the Blues, wanting his future sorted but with the club yet to sit down to discuss new terms: "The manager keeps saying that he has concerns over Carlos’s age and weaknesses as a defender.
"Well, he has started all but one league game this season and not once been in the treatment room, while it’s the manager who is playing him at right-back.”
Edwards turned down a new two-year deal at the end of last season, which would have seen him take a 20 per cent cut in wages, instead choosing to trigger a one-year clause in his previous deal on the same salary. Fellow Trinidadian Jason Scotland has a similar clause in his contract which will be triggered after three more league starts.
The one-time Wrexham and Luton man is believed to have proposed a deal to the club which would see his basic wage reduced but with more significant appearance payments and the option of a second year if he makes 23 appearances during the first.
LA Galaxy’s reported interest in signing the right-back or right midfielder is said to have cooled but a number of Championship sides are believed to be eyeing his situation.
Meanwhile, Town’s reserves are in action in a behind-closed-doors friendly at home to Leyton Orient this afternoon.
* Edwards, Tommy Smith, Josh Carson, Grant Leadbitter, Jason Scotland, Lee Bowyer, Richard Wright, Mark Kennedy, Ibrahima Sonko, Cody Cropper and Cormac Burke.
Photo: Action Images