Town boss Joe Royle has warned his out-of-contract players that they are playing for their jobs during the remaining 11 games of the season. The Blues will not be discussing new deals with the long list of players whose contracts are up until the summer.

That list includes skipper Jim Magilton who signed a new one-year deal last summer, as did Fabian Wilnis and Richard Naylor.

Definitely on their way out are Andy Marshall and Alun Armstrong who have already been told they will not be offered new terms after this season.

Dutch youngster Nabil Abidallah's contract has been paid up and he is free to leave the club, although he is training with Town while he finds himself a new side.

John McGreal, Chris Bart-Williams, Jermaine Wright, Chris Makin and Lewis Price will also see their current deals end in the summer.

Royle says: “No one needs any more motivation than to get into the Premiership but there are people here who are playing for their futures.”

Town will not look to discuss contracts until they are certain which division they will be playing in next season, while season ticket sales will also have some bearing on who and how many players will be offered the chance to extend their stays at Portman Road.

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