Paul Jewell's metaphorical belt tightening

All of the various add-ons players have in modern day ‘player-to-club’ contracts must have created a specialist role at football clubs; an overseer of whether or not these deals need to be reengaged on due to financial constraints.

The latest club looking at a player’s contract and “umming” and “aahing” out loud whilst frantically checking behind the sofa for some spare change is Ipswich Town.

According to the Tractor’s gaffer Paul Jewell, striker Jason Scotland has a clause in his contract where if he starts 19 games, he is entitled to a new deal where he would earn exactly the same amount as on his current contract. Scotland has currently started 17 games for the club which, getting my calculator out, means the 33-year old is two games away from reaching the threshold.

Jewell told the East Anglian Daily Times that; "The clause that he's got we can't afford to give him basically. If the clause is triggered it's decent money and with this financial fair play rule, and the tough economic climate, we are having to look at reducing wages. I never wanted to get into this situation where I couldn't play a player because of a clause because that's messy for everybody.”

Jewell confirmed that the Trinidadian has another contract offer on the table on reduced terms but acknowledged that the issue will impinge on his team selection for the rest of the season.

He added; “I never wanted to get into this situation where I couldn't play a player because of a clause because that's messy for everybody. I think the club have made Jason an offer and I believe he is considering it. Jason understands the situation. He knows he's a year older and he's been very reasonable about it. I don't know what the figures are, they're not really for public domain anyway, but the new contract will be on lesser terms.”

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