Blues boss Paul Jewell says skipper Grant Leadbitter told him that he wants to stay at Town when the two met to talk on Wednesday. Leadbitter, a Portsmouth target earlier in the summer, is out of contract next June with the Town manager desperate to avoid a repeat of the situation which saw David Norris and Gareth McAuley leave on free transfers at the end of the season after months of speculation about their futures.

Jewell said: “I spoke to Grant. He’s not the most expressive man in the world, but he cares deeply about his football and he likes it here. We’re happy to have him.

“We had a chat. He hasn’t played as well as he would like to have played but he’s not the only one. He trains properly every day, he works hard and he’s the captain at the moment.”

The Blues boss says owner Marcus Evans has talked to Leadbitter's representative about new terms: “I know the owner has spoken with his agent on a couple of occasions. It’s ongoing.”

Jewell says he’s not actively looking to sell Leadbitter or anyone else, although that doesn’t necessarily mean no one will leave in the months to come: “We’re big boys, things happen. If a club comes in for any player and the player expresses an interest and it’s right for us, then there’s no point in me keeping a player who’s unhappy.

“But, do you know what, since I’ve been here, I don’t think anyone’s knocked on my door and asked to leave. Maybe it is too nice!

“That just shows that it’s a great club and players want to be a part of it. Sometimes it can get a bit too comfortable, I guess, but Grant has never expressed a desire or interest in leaving. We did have a bit of interest from Portsmouth but I wasn’t interested in doing that.

“I don’t want this Grant Leadbitter thing to drag on like the David Norris and Gareth McAuley situations.

“It’s no big deal. Me and Grant sat down and we had an open and frank discussion. He’s said he wants to stay, and I’m happy with that.”

The Town boss says talks have already taken place regarding extending Josh Carson's contract beyond next summer: “Josh Carson’s agent, Kevin Moran, spoke with the owner and I actually met him in Manchester in the summer and I didn’t know whether it was Josh Carson or Diego Maradona when I saw his demands!

“We’ve got to be careful with Josh. He burst on to the scene last year and sometimes younger players, after their initial effect, can take a backward step a little bit.

“I think with Josh we’re in the early days of progress yet but, again, we want to sign him. We want hungry players, we want young players to earn their money. Sometimes you can do them a disservice by giving them too much too soon.”

Photo: Action Images

BlueVelvet added 12:16 - Sep 9 I suggest Paul that you keep Oly Clegg well away from the negotiating table if you want to keep him
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bobble added 12:18 - Sep 9 chopra for captain
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legoman added 12:24 - Sep 9 This is the way it works. Players excite us and then we sing about them and treat them like gods. If they don't do there bit we can't do ours. Get rid.
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saffronblue added 12:27 - Sep 9 I would offer him and additional year and tell him that if he doesn't perform he will be sold in January. Think he is ok but lacking confidence and is probably going to be down the pecking order but given our current squads injury record certainly has a job to play. Don't see him as captain material but I don't think it matters who is named as Captain as players should be vocal and give direction on pitch irrespective, something we see far to rarely at Portman Road.

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Blue041273 added 13:06 - Sep 9 I may be the only one but is anyone else out there disturbed by the fact that the Owner seems to be conducting the contract netogiations. No doubt he has his say but surely PJ has to determine who he wants and in financial terms how much he wants him. Hands on is good but not where it underines the influence of the Manager. This does not bode well.
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muhrensleftfoot added 13:29 - Sep 9 He should stay. he cost too much to let go on a free like Norris & McAuley. He's off form, but showed he can be decent at this level during his first season at the club. Leave the corners & free kicks to Jimmy, get 10 or more goals per season like Norris, and get his form back & we'll have a good midfielder
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casanovacrow added 13:51 - Sep 9 maybe Grant doesn't care where he is, thats why he isn't expressive. He isnt one to rock the boat, just like McAuley and Norris, didnt they both say they wanted to stay too?
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TractorBeezer added 13:59 - Sep 9 “But, do you know what, since I've been here, I don't think anyone's knocked on my door and asked to leave. Maybe it is too nice! Short memory PJ! McAuley and Norris?
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jas0999 added 15:00 - Sep 9 Good news - for those that say no-one else wants him that's not right - Pompey were after him! Hopefully he can agree a new deal and will settle down.
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toforoge added 15:19 - Sep 9 He will be gone on a free next year. This should of been sorted long ago, either a player signs a contract or is sold when they have a year left . Only older players should be able to let there contracts run down. Carson is a worry should of been sorted,players should no they have to sign,leave or not play for a year. You can not blame players wanting to run contracts down it is very profitable for them .

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toforoge added 15:50 - Sep 9 Addmitidly some players are on to high wages for their quality and the only options are to let them go on a free or leave at end of contract. Fullop fell in to this catorgary and others have done. Lee Martin ,priskin, leadbitter may well fall into this catagory just shows the mistakes previously made . Carson does not though . Millions wasted by Keane still affecting us , mistakes will happen maybe JET will work out maybe not, but so many under Keane.

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Garv added 17:08 - Sep 9 Two good games in two years. £1.3 a game, good deal!
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h32 added 17:41 - Sep 9 Sorry Mr Jewell - but if your so called better judgement was to make this man Captain - then I do not rate your judgement anymore than I did when you first arrived. Not changed my mind about PJ and his ability (or lack of) - but I still genuinely hope he proves me wrong. Leadbitter as Captain - JOKE.
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h32 added 17:47 - Sep 9 PJ - you're treading water at best - and that's being kind to you.
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DutchTownFan added 20:09 - Sep 9 Give Leadbitter and Carson new contracts. Let's just see how Grant does then, defo don't want him leaving on a free!!!!! Not so sure about him being captain, though.
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TractorRoyNo1 added 23:21 - Sep 9 of course he does, his agent has told him that no one else will pay those sort of wages for him
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