Barnsley boss David Flitcroft has opened talks with his out-of-contract players but has admitted last night that he is 'not confident' they will all sign.

 

Martin Cranie is attracting interest from Championship clubs while Luke Steele, Bobby Hassell, Tomasz Cywka, Jim McNulty and Tom Kennedy have yet to pen new deals.

 

Flitcroft is in the process of discussing terms with the players and says he will do anything it takes to retain them.

 

He told the Chronicle: "I'm not confident they will all sign. Let's just say a top four team comes in with promotion ambitions then it might be too much to expect the players to stay here. I am speaking to the lads in a relaxed atmosphere. I'll meet some of them in lobbies of hotels or I might even go to their houses and speak to their families.

 

"I will go to extreme lengths to keep these players at the football club. These players performed against top promotion sides.  They beat Hull City, Leicester, Watford and Brighton. If I was a manager of a top club then I'd probably be looking at them, so it shouldn't come as a shock if other clubs come sniffing around them.

 

"All the players want to play for myself, Micky Mellon and Martin Scott but if they get a more attractive offer then it's something I can't control. Some players will be driven by the money but others will see what we're trying to build here and will want to be a part of the adventure.

 

"We know we can't challenge other teams in terms of wages but we can create an environment where players are treated like real Championship players."

 

Flitcroft said he has spoken to players' agents and is hopeful of answers within the next few weeks. He added: "We risk losing all the players because we left it so late to open negotiations but we'll see what happens.

 

"Bobby Hassell has been away with his family but I hope to talk figures with him soon. I want to be a part of his tenth season here. You don't get that kind of loyalty in the modern game and Bobby and his family deserve a testimonial season."