Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has warned the players that they are playing for their future at the club.

Bates made his comment after the dismal display in the 2-1 home defeat against Walsall – Leeds’ first home league defeat for 13 months.

Several players’ contracts are due to expire in the summer, including top scorer Jermaine Beckford, defender or midfielder Andrew Hughes and goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, while midfielder Micky Doyle’s loan spell is up at the end of the season.

United are keen to know what division they will be playing in next season before addressing the contract issue and manager Simon Grayson said: “The chairman was as disappointed as the rest of us with the result the other night. We have all set out with the intention of getting the club promoted and we are still in a good position to achieve that target.

“Some players are playing for their future because they are out of contract in the summer, while others could probably leave the club if things don’t work out. If that is an incentive for them, so be it, but I would like to think they are playing for personal pride and the football club.

“I have spoken to the players about the contracts situation and things will be resolved when they need to be. I know it is a little bit worrying for players who are soon out of contract but they understand the situation we are in and we will take it from there.”

Hughes, Ankergren and Doyle are all keen to stay, while Beckford looks certain to leave at the end of the season to boost his wages, with Everton and Newcastle among the favourites to sign him.