West Brom manager Tony Pulis challenges out-of-contract players
Wednesday 13 January 2016 00:43, UK
West Brom manager Tony Pulis has challenged the club's out-of-contract players to earn new deals at The Hawthorns.
The contracts of James Morrison, Gareth McAuley, Stephane Sessegnon, Jonas Olsson and Victor Anichebe all expire at the end of the season.
Morrison claimed he is yet to enter into discussions with the Baggies over a new deal after scoring in Saturday's 2-2 FA Cup draw with Bristol City.
Albion go to Chelsea on Wednesday and, ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge, Pulis has told his players to stop fearing for their futures and to focus on their performances instead.
"I think we have four or five people talking to the club about contracts now at the moment," he said. "It is one you will have to speak to the club about but it is not just James. It is an incentive for the club and an incentive for the players.
"For me as a player I never had a worry about trying to sign a long-term contract. I think Harry [Redknapp] gave me my longest contract at Bournemouth.
"Generally I was quite happy to run the contract out and if the club wanted me they would give me another one. If they didn't I was always confident there would be another club out there.
"I think things have changed and players want stability and security and all that stuff, it has changed so much it is unbelievable."
Pulis is waiting on news of injured duo Olsson and Anichebe, who both have hamstring problems, but he questioned Morrison's claim he was yet to speak to the club over a new deal.
"I am not so sure that is true. I think there have been discussions," added Pulis. "I wouldn't be worried if I was James, I wouldn't be worried if I was one of the ones who are talking to the club now."
