Blackwell admitted he was doubtful whether an agreement could now be reached after the club's latest offer of a "significant" pay rise - made a fortnight ago - had been turned down by the player's advisors.

Blackwell, who substituted 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."

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.

"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."