Barker fears he will lose stars (From The Argus)

Barker fears he will lose stars

10:00am Saturday 16th March 2013 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Boss Richie Barker fears rival clubs will snap up Crawley’s out of contract stars unless their futures are sorted out soon.

Josh Simpson, Mustapha Dumbuya, Joe Walsh and Matt Sparrow are all due to become free agents in the summer with negotiations to extend their stays at Broadfield Stadium either hitting problems or not starting at all.

Skipper Simpson began talks before Christmas and re-entered negotiations last month but has yet to agree terms. Dumbuya has said nobody has talked to him about extending his short-term contract while Sparrow has only had informal discussions.

Simpson, Dumbuya and Sparrow would all be available on free transfers during the summer while Crawley would be due compensation for Walsh if he left as he is under the age of 24.

Barker said: “I would like them all to stay but it is not my decision. I have made my recommendations and now it is up to the board what they decide to do.

“Josh had played virtually every game before he got injured while Matt and Muzzy have done really well since joining in January. I think Joe has been the find of the season considering he came in as a squad player and has ended up playing the best part of half the season.

“There is every chance that other clubs are monitoring their situations so I am hoping something can be sorted out soon.”

Sparrow admits he would be willing to enter negotiations to stay at the club he joined on a short-term deal in January following his release by Albion in January.

Sparrow said: “If the deals is right and we can get sorted out I would love to stay. I think there has been a few talks but nothing concrete yet so I am just concentrating on playing games now.”