Gordon Gibb today laughed off Lewis Emanuel's transfer request as "a load of nonsense".

City's teenage full-back has turned down an offer of a new three-year contract. But Gibb (pictured) believes the 18-year-old was badly advised by his agent.

The chairman said: "We've had a letter that's obviously been written by his representative and whether Lewis understands the reality I don't know.

"We have a two-year option on his present contract which we will now exercise. But we offered him the improved deal to show that he was valued and a big part of the squad.

"I think it's a case of an agent getting involved when there was really no need."

Emanuel, one of the lowest-paid players in the dressing room, is understood to be deeply disappointed with the new figure.

The offer will remain on the table and Gibb is hopeful that Emanuel, who is represented by former City skipper Peter Jackson, will eventually sign.

Gibb added: "It's very much in the boy's interests to get the paper work done so that he can concentrate on his career development. Then the next contract he signs will be an extremely lucrative one.

"Putting in a transfer request is a clear case of an agent spitting the dummy. It's a terrible decision and I just hope that Lewis is not too badly affected by this."

Emanuel established a place in the team last season at either left back or left midfield and played in 30 games. Under football's "poaching" rules, there would be a compensation fee involved if he wanted to move because he is younger than 24 and under contract.

Gibb said: "This doesn't change anything with regards to our relationship with Lewis. He will continue to be a Bradford City player.

"Putting in a transfer request is dramatic and designed to cause a stir. But anybody who knows the financial state of the industry now knows that every Bradford player is available for transfer and it's the same at most clubs."

Paul Reid has signed a one-year contract. The Aussie midfielder has been on a month-by-month deal since arriving from Wollongong Wolves in September.

Simon Francis has also put pen to paper on his first professional deal which will tie him to City to the end of the 2005-2006 season with the option of a further year.