Doncaster Rovers boss insists players are not distracted by contract talks

The Free Press understands around half a dozen offers have been made to players who are set to reach the end of their deals in the summer, with more individuals set to be handed new contracts in the coming weeks.

While Butler admits he would have liked to have seen offers made to players earlier in the season, he does not feel on-going uncertainty over futures has been one of the reasons for the recent decline in form.

“A few contract offers have been given out and we’re just waiting for feedback from the players,” he said.

“The players are not getting distracted from their jobs at the moment.

“It’s nice for someone to offer the contracts and get their futures sorted but one thing I will not let it do is distract them because they’re still professional.

“There have been a few offers go out and the more we go down the line, others will be too.

“I won’t name names but hopefully there will be a few more because we’ve got some good players in this team and we need to make sure we do what is right for this team.”

Former boss Darren Moore had elected to wait until late in the season before making contract offers to those he wished to keep from the ten set to reach the end of their deals. Moore had been informed in November he would be able to open contract talks but declined the opportunity.

Butler feels security is important to players.

“I think it can go either way,” he said.

“I think some people are convinced if you offer contracts earlier in the season then players can take their foot off the gas and if you do it later then they’ve got to play for their futures. It can go both ways.

“Personally as a player, I like to get contracts sorted sooner because of security and financial reasons for your family.

“As a manager I’d like my players to feel secure in their jobs so they can just go about their business and don’t have things on their minds.”

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