BROMSGROVE Sporting chairman Mike Burke hopes to have further discussions with first-team manager Paul Smith over the contract he has been offered to iron out any minor issues.
But Smith has stated he wants everyone to draw a line under the ‘latest of sad off-field matters’ and to focus on helping the Rouslers achieve back-to-back promotions.
Following Tuesday night’s executive committee meeting, it was agreed by both the board and Smith that a contract was ‘not needed at the present time’.
However, Burke confirmed the contract had not been withdrawn and vowed to continue talks before the paperwork would be signed.
“At this moment in time it looks like the contract is not ready,” Burke told the Standard.
“Paul had the contract a few weeks ago but perhaps he is wanting more or less conditions put in, but that is what we want to discuss further as it was not discussed at Tuesday’s meeting.
“We have not withdrawn the offer of a contract but we are planning further meetings with Paul to iron out any issues in the contract.
“I can understand why the fans are nervous and worry about losing Paul because they want to see the club continue with the success we have enjoyed over the last two seasons.
“But be re-assured the board intend to keep this success going and will give the manager the support he needs to do so.
“Things are going well behind the scenes and we will continue to talk to Paul about any issues until everyone is happy and the contract can be signed.”
Burke also reiterated it did not take a contract to prove both he and the rest of the board were fully supportive of Smith.
He revealed he had boosted Smith’s playing budget by more than ten per cent following their ventures in the FA Vase so he could challenge for the Midland League Premier Division title as the club entered the business end of the campaign.
“We are expecting promotion this year and I am sure Paul feels the same way,” he said.
“Paul did not ask for the contract in the first place and I think the fans would like to see him put one as a reward for all his efforts in recent seasons and to show we support him.
“But we do support Paul and we showed that by boosting his playing budget so that he can get us to the next level because that is what the fans deserve.
“We fully trust him with that amount of money and Paul proved that by spending it wisely and bringing in Richard Gregory who has failed to score in just one his games he has played for us so far.
“Paul is a fantastic manager and we back him 100 per cent.”
However, Smith told the Standard he did not want to discuss the contract further and has thanked fans for all the support he has received this week.
“The only thing which has stopped me walking away has been the incredible support I have received from our fans,” he said.
“To have received the calls, text messages and emails that I have has been unbelievable – I am really grateful.
“My staff, players and I can be left to try and gain a second successive promotion for our fans.
“If I am to be forced to walk away at the end of the season, I want to go with a double promotion for them.
“They are the heartbeat of the club.”
