Birch Turns Down Contract

By Neil Ravenscroft
June 6 2003

Gary Birch became the first of the home grown players to turn down the offer of a 12 month contract today and has asked for talks with the club.

Birch had been offered a 12 month contract, but seems to think he is worth more, either in cash terms, or in the length of the contract.

In view of what Colin lee has said about contract offers, that they would be, in effect, take it or leave it, Birch asking for discussions with the club next week seems to be a high risk strategy.

With Bishop, Hawley and Fryatt all threatening to make the breakthrough from the youth set up, Birch may have picked the wrong time to make a stand.