NEIL RUDDOCK is mulling over an offer which could resolve Town's crippling transfer embargo with the 34-year-old insisting he does not want war with his employers.

The former Liverpool and Spurs defender has found himself out in the cold at the County Ground with a board of directors bitterly unhappy with the player's lucrative contract.

Chief executive Mark Devlin has said there is nothing personal in the club's desire to see the back of Ruddock. It is simply a case of economics.

Devlin is trying to reach an agreement with the player over a £58,000 loyalty bonus in his contract.

The club has refused to pay the amount, triggering yet another transfer embargo.

Ruddock told the Evening Advertiser that he does not want to hurt the football club but his family comes first.

He said: "I feel like I am caught between the devil and the deep blue sea to be honest with you.

"A lot has been written about the loyalty bonus issue. Several months ago I told the club I was willing to accept the payment in stages but I made it clear that I wanted that agreed in writing, ie guarantees.

"I am not being greedy and I am not being selfish. All I am doing is trying to look after my family.

"It has taken its toll. When my solicitor receives an offer, I will consider it and we'll take it from there."

The Football League has already made it clear that it will support Town's case to have the embargo lifted if a 'tangible' offer is made to Ruddock.

The precise nature of the offer is unclear but Devlin will be hoping that Ruddock agrees to play ball.

Devlin said: "We want to see this issue sorted out. It is something this football club could do without.

"But Neil Ruddock has to accept the circumstances this club finds itself in.

"A contract was agreed at a time when mini-buses were being repossessed."

Devlin has not ruled out the possibility that funds generated from the Sol Davis sale a tribunal was expected to fix a fee for the player today could be used to make an offer to Ruddock.

However, he said there was no question of all the money going to the former player-coach.