DENIS Smith says his out-of-contract Oxford United players will have to be patient, writes JON MURRAY.

Star player Mark Watson said recently, before flying out to the United States to play for Canada in the CONCACAF Cup, how he was amazed that new contract negotiations had not really begun with the ten professionals whose current deals end this summer.

When Smith took over, he said he would be looking at the players' situations and asking for a copy of all their contracts. "There are things that have got to be done, so I'll be getting down to that," he stated.

However, this week he admitted that

contract negotiations have been put on hold until there is more certainty about the club's future. "We can't really talk about what we can offer until we know what division we are going to be in next season, and where we are going to be playing, whether it's here at the Manor or at the new stadium," he said.

"Ideally, we'll get the five or six wins we need to stay up as quickly as possible, then we'll have a clearer picture.

"But if any player wants to come to me and discuss his situation, he knows he can see me any time - and I'll explain our difficulties."

While United were bidding for a third successive victory in their Division 2 basement battle with Wrexham at the Manor today, Watson was looking forward to the highlight of his international career so far, representing Canada in the final of the Gold Cup against Colombia in Los Angeles tomorrow.

Watson headed the winner in their 1-0 semi-final victory over Trinidad & Tobago.

Meanwhile, coach Mickey Lewis is on stand-by after Paul Tait missed training yesterday with a leg injury. He faces a very late fitness test today.

If he fails, Lewis is likely to return to United's midfield.

Story date: Saturday 26 February

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