ANDY KING has revealed that time, rather than money, is proving the stumbling block to Matt Hewlett agreeing a new contract.

The former Bristol City midfielder wants a three-year deal but the Town boss is only prepared to offer two.

King says he understands the player's reasons for holding out on a deal but feels quality displays on the pitch are the best way to secure the security Hewlett craves.

He said: "I will say publicly that Matty Hewlett is looking for a three-year contract from this football club, but the structure in place here means two is the maximum deal on offer.

"Of course Matty would rather have the longer deal but that is simply not an option. But I want to make it clear that this is not a question of a player simply holding out for more money.

"I am firmly of the belief that what you do on the pitch can go a long way to providing you with the security you want.

"If a player on a two-year deal performs week in and week out for his club then a fresh deal may well take care of itself.

"I hope Matty Hewlett thinks about that because I feel he has more still to offer this football club."

With the football bubble in serious danger of bursting in the lower leagues, King feels players will have to acknowledge their bargaining position is not what it once was.

He said: "The boy Andy Gray was offered a two-year deal to join us and that is probably the best any player can expect. As I said, that's two years to perform well enough for a new deal here or to ensure a move elsewhere."

King has said on more than one occasion that he feels it is a brave man who turns down a contract in the current climate but he is still waiting to hear from Hewlett, David Duke and Bart Griemink about where they feel their respective futures lie.

He said: "Obviously I hope they decide there is something at this club to build on. But as I have said, fair and final offers have been put on the table."

The Town boss is not an advocate of long contracts due to the risk factor involved. He said: "There have been too many cases of unsuccessful deals."

As for bringing in new players, King wants the club's embargo lifted as soon as possible before other targets slip away and the football world gets it into its head that the County Ground is a transfer-free zone.

He said: "I don't want people left with the impression that an embargo is still in place even when it has been lifted. Even the phone calls from agents have dried up. I never thought I'd be worried about that."

Director Bob Holt has promised the embargo will be lifted once a fresh CVA is agreed, hopefully within the next fortnight.