Exeter manager Alex Inglethorpe has refused to sign a new contract until the uncertainty over the financial problems at the club is resolved.
A deal to keep Inglethorpe at the club until 2010 has been finalised but the popular manager is stalling on signing the deal, telling the Exeter Express and Echo: "I have declined the contract for the time being at least until certain issues around the club are cleared up. I will review it again later and expect to sign one in the near future."
Inglethorpe fears his playing budget will be slashed further after a £160,000 cut in the summer. One of the items jeopardising the deal is the potential claim for constructive dismissal by former Managing Director Ian Huxham, with a judgement against the club likely to cost over £100,000 in the settlement and legal fees.