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.

Photo: Action Images

Help added 13:18 - Apr 19 I think it is not just this comment, but any thing Clegg has to say is either not well thought out or he shots from the hip. No negotiation on season tickets, players holding club to ransom. he does not adhere himself to fans with such comments. A conversation with him and RK must have been fun.
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Hamish1979 added 13:37 - Apr 19 I really wonder about Cleggy. I met him at a supporters event before the Crystal Palace game and he comes across as a bit of a pratt, overly-diplomatic and a bit full of himself. What does he actually do? He seems to have made a career out of brown-nosing anybody with a bit of power and money. Get rid and lets have someone with a bit of dynamism in. I can understand why they're fuming, they'be been made to wait forever and Clegg comes out moaning about week after they've been offered a contract.

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chripswich added 13:42 - Apr 19 been saying for ages...hes useless.. had keane incurred the fury of his players everyone would have been up in arms about the manager... forget all the manger stuff keane out, magilton out,anyone out..etc etc lets get a banner for the north..CLEGG OUT!!
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dirtydingusmagee added 14:13 - Apr 19 bloody pity Clegg isnt out of contract. His nickname should be BIG FOOT .
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fourth added 20:00 - Apr 19 Well, I think that Mr Jewell can do the contract business I might be wrong But then Mr Clegg has already proven that he can't So there is nothing much to lose, is there?
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TheCurly added 20:54 - Apr 19 We as supporters might think the players are holding the club to ransom, Clegg might think it also, but as the clubs chief negotiator he should never say it, he is supposed to be getting these guys onside. Once again his negotiating skills have been shown up
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