Sometimes there is not a lot you can do – Port Vale manager on contract negotiations
Port Vale manager John Askey says that sometimes “it is down to the players” when it comes down to negotiating new contracts with the football club.
A host of players including first-team regulars Nathan Smith, James Gibbons, Leon Legge, David Worrall and David Amoo are all out of contract at the end of the season.
Central defender Smith has already been linked with a move to Championship side Birmingham City and with the club in a far better position than last season, Askey will be keen to maintain the core of his squad.
Sometimes there is not a lot you can do. It is down to the players and at the end of the day, they have to want to sign…
However, the Port Vale manager concedes that sometimes matters are out of his hands. He told the Sentinel newspaper: “It is a constant, you are always trying to make sure you are doing what is right for the football club. So, you are always aware of situations.
“But sometimes there is not a lot you can do. It is down to the players and at the end of the day, they have to want to sign.”
Speaking about Smith’s situation Askey added: “There are quite a few aren’t there who we want to make sure are here next season. I am sure Nathan wants to stay.
“There’s not a lot we can do. Obviously his contract is up at the end of the season. He will be a free agent then so it is his prerogative to look around I suppose. But hopefully we can do something because it is people like Nathan you want to build the team around. He is the right age and has the right attitude.”
Out of contract in the summer
There is some confusion/leeway in Port Vale’s contracts as some contract lengths were not released to the media and some contract have automated extensions after a certain number of games. However, those players known to be out of contract at the end of the season are:
Jonny Maddison, Callum Evans, James Gibbons, Leon Legge, Shaun Brisley, Kieran Kennedy, Cristian Montano, Luke Joyce, Scott Burgess, Will Atkinson, Ryan Lloyd, David Worrall, David Amoo, Rhys Browne, Mark Cullen, Jordan Archer