SIGN OF THE TIMES

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19 November 2009

Jim Lucas
jim@southwarknews.org

MILLWALL CHIEFS are constantly reviewing the contracts of the thirteen Lions players whose deals expire at the end of this season.

The revelation that so many first-teamers' contracts will run out at the end of June next year prompted some concern among Lions fans, with striker Neil Harris this week hinting that he would consider his future in January.

The striker revealed he had come close to moving abroad in recent years and suggested that he would consider such a move again if he was not offered new terms soon, admitting to the 'News' that there had been no movement on his contract so far. "There's really no news on that whatsoever, I'm afraid," he said.

According to the Bosman ruling, the thirteen players out of contract, including captain Paul Robinson and goalkeeper David Forde, will be able to speak to clubs outside of England from January 1, if they are not handed new deals before then.

But Millwall Chief Executive Andy Ambler told the 'News' that the number of deals set to expire in June should not
be cause for concern among Lions fans, with the situation being re-evaluated regularly.

"We will certainly be looking at those who are out of contract," said Ambler." There is constant discussion between the board, the manager and the players. We operate to a strategy and we, as a board, are happy with the direction that is going in."

Joining Harris, Robinson and Forde out of contract is defender Zak Whitbread, with the injured American being placed on the transfer list in the summer, after turning down a new deal.

"There is a balance between offering people long-term contracts to protect transfer value and having the flexibility to change the squad," Ambler added. "It is a fine balance and one we are reviewing on an almost-daily basis.

We are aware of the situation and are dealing with it but I would imagine that most League One and Championship clubs have a similar number of players out of contract at the end of the season. That is the state of the football industry at the moment."

Lions boss Kenny Jackett admitted that any movement on player contracts would be kept private, so as to prevent other clubs finding out about the club's plans.

"There's certainly progress, but it's not something I like to discuss publicly," Lions boss Kenny Jackett told the 'News'. "That can alert other teams to what we're doing, so it's something we choose to talk about internally as and when the time is right."

Forde this week implied to the 'News' that he was in preliminary discussions with the club over a new deal, though it is thought no signing was imminent.

"I've spoken to the manager and he doesn't really want things like that coming out," he said. "We've had talks but I can't really speak about it. I love it here, so I'm happy to stay."

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