Kevin Blackwell has accused Matthew Kilgallon's agent of 'blackmail' in the defender's contract wrangle.
Blades boss unhappy with 'blackmail'
Kevin Blackwell has accused Matthew Kilgallon's agent of 'blackmail' in the unsettled Sheffield United defender's contract wrangle.
The Bramall Lane outfit are struggling to reach an agreement with Kilgallon, who is out of contract in the summer, after the club's latest offer was rejected two weeks ago by the player's advisors.
Blades boss Blackwell has now admitted he doubts whether an agreement can be reached and has launched a stinging attack on the centre-back's representatives.
Blackwell, who replaced the former Leeds centre-half during Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Scunthorpe, said: "We've pushed the boat out and if it goes out any further all the other players would want to jump on it and there'll be no club left.
"I would have to say that it would appear to be way off. It's a shame. The lad's earning a good living to be honest and it should not be all about money.
"It's affecting him there's no doubt about it and as a manager I want it resolved."
Stinks
Blackwell added: "Agents sow seeds in the players' minds and that affects them and for me that stinks.
"I don't think it's right that his agent comes to the club and holds a gun against our heads and says if you don't go to a certain level we're not prepared to negotiate. That's not negotiation, that's blackmail.
"So it's a frustrating situation. I've got the highest regard for Matthew and I want to get him back to how he was playing last season and hopefully this can be resolved."
