Altrincham are standing firm over the future of Chris Conn-Clarke and insisting their newly-crowned National League Player of the Year will not be allowed to leave The J.Davidson Stadium on the cheap.
Alty have been bracing themselves for offers after the 22-year old's outstanding form attracted interest from a growing number of Football League clubs during the Robins' rise to fourth in the Vanarama National League last season, and bids have now started to materialise.
They have been dismissed out of hand so far after falling well short of the asking price, and Alty's stance is unlikely to soften after Conn-Clarke's 22-goal tally from an attacking midfield role was recognised on Saturday evening when he was named National League player of the year at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales.
Though they are not disclosing figures, and while stressing they have no wish to hinder Conn-Clarke's chances of playing at a higher level, the club are adamant he will not leave for less than his true worth.
"We've had a couple of offers for Chris, but the reality is we won't let him go if teams don't meet our valuation," said Alty's football director Rob Esteva. "The offers that have come in so far don't come close to our valuation.
"He won't be going on the cheap, and that's something he gets and so does his agent. It will be a record fee if he does go, but we're not talking about crazy money - just a realistic assessment of his worth. The benchmark is when you see amounts for other players and realise Chris has out-performed so many of them.
"We are not in a position to stand in the way of players moving on to a higher level, where they earn more and test themselves against better opposition, and if Chris goes, it will be with our best wishes. But it has to be absolutely right for us as well as him."
While Alty wait for Conn-Clarke's future to be resolved, they have announced that, from the start of next season, the sponsors' lounge at The J.Davidson Stadium will be known as The John King Lounge in honour of their legendary former captain and manager.
