Phil Parkinson today reassured City fans that contract talks for him and his coaching team are still on track.

The silence surrounding the long-running negotiations has caused concern, with the management’s current deals set to run out at the end of June.

But Parkinson stressed that an agreement is inching nearer to keep everyone in place.

He said: “It’s gone on longer than we’d hoped but it’s not just about myself but the other members of staff as well.

“I’ve been trying to work it out for the rest of the staff to keep that continuity, which is important for the future. I’m pleased we are getting closer.

“There have been many distractions along the way but I don’t want the supporters for a minute to think that Steve (Parkin) and I have been holding out.

“It’s not a money issue. It’s just making sure things are done professionally and we’re getting closer to that being resolved.”

Parkinson rejected the chance to reputedly quadruple his wages when he turned down Blackpool in January. But talks to tie him to Valley Parade beyond this season have been drawn out with issues such as City’s shock Wembley appearance and a serious illness to his agent Barry Nevill.

Nevill had hoped to get involved but has since been rushed back into hospital, leaving Parkinson’s case in the hands of the League Managers’ Association.

City joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: “We’ve put the contract to Phil, he’s passed it on and we’re waiting for them to get back to us with what they want putting in.

“It’s like a solicitors’ contract we’re going through and we’ve got to make sure it is right for both parties.

“There’s a fundamental understanding on where we want to be. We’ve both agreed that and it’s down to the fine print.

“Fiscally it’s all right. It’s about clauses and various things.

“All the rumours you’ve heard about you having to have players’ budgets in contracts is a load of rubbish.

“Phil says he wants to be here, I want him to be here. So hopefully we can get that sorted.

“It now looks as if we might get into the play-offs and, like with Wembley, I don’t want to distract it too much. But if both parties want it to work, eventually we’ll get it done.”