NEIL Young has told clubs chasing transfer-listed duo Nathan Jarman and Tony Gray to make offers by the end of May or miss out on them altogether.
If the Chester FC manager does not receive suitable four-figure bids for the strikers by a week on Saturday they will be taken off the market – despite the fact they may not be able to commit to the demanding Conference Premier schedule.
“Tony and Nathan won’t be going anywhere without transfer fees,” said Young, who has revealed the wantaway Dave Hankin is close to joining a leading Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit.
“Any club that thinks they’re going to come in and take them on loan or whatever else, it won’t be happening.
“I need to plan for next season and if their money is staying within my budget I need to get on with it.
“So we’ll give it another week to 10 days and if offers haven’t come in for both they will remain Chester players and I’d expect them to play a big part in the Conference.”
Young was yesterday in talks with goalkeeper John Danby over a new contract.
He has also offered fresh terms to captain and centre-back George Horan.
“I’ve made what I believe are good offers but I fully appreciate and understand they’re at an age when they’ve got to look at all the options,” said Young, who has tied Danby’s back-up Martin Fearon down to a new-one year deal.
“They’ve both been excellent for me and I know they’ve both thoroughly enjoyed their time here. Hopefully that will continue.”
Young released Marc Williams yesterday.
The clever forward joins Iain Howard, Dom Collins, Scott Brown, Wes Baynes and Matty McGinn in not being offered new contracts.
“It’s probably been my hardest week in football,” said Young, who currently has Hankin, Jarman, Gray, Fearon, Paul Linwood, Ben Mills, Antoni Sarcevic, Ashley Williams and new boys Jason Jarrett, Kevin McIntyre and Lee Pugh under contract for next season.
“I’m not a vindictive person but I’m the boss and I’ve got to make the tough decisions.
“I’ve had a top group of players – probably the best I’ve worked with, not just in terms of their technical ability but their attitude, work rate and general personality.
“It’s been really tough letting some of them go. My missus certainly knows because I’ve been a real grump around the place.
“I do get attached to players and it’s not good to have to tell players they’re going or players to tell me they’re going for other reasons.
“But that’s the job I’m in and now I’ve got to prepare a new set of players for having a good go at the Conference.”
Young will go head-to-head with Edgar Davids next season after the former Ajax, AC Milan, Barcelona and Holland midfielder confirmed he is to remain in charge of Barnet following their relegation from the Football League.
