SEETHING Paul Sturrock has put a freeze on all contract negotiations after launching a furious attack on his players' commitment to the collective cause.

Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Stockport County so disgusted the manager that he has ordered the whole side to report for this afternoon's reserve game at Bristol Rovers.

Sturrock insists the season starts here' and that players need to start putting in the performances to justify their salaries.

The manager said he would have been willing to hand his money back had he performed at Edgeley Park and that his troops had let themselves down but more importantly, the fans who had travelled to cheer them on.

Sturrock said: "Some of them are in negotiations with me at this minute in time. That will all be put on hold.

"All contracts will be put on hold until I know what league I'm going to be in and what the story is as far as who wants to play for me at this club and who doesn't.

"I do feel there's very few in there who are caring enough at this juncture.

"They're more caring of themselves individually than caring of Swindon Town Football Club.

"There are certain people there I cannot trust and this club cannot trust.

"It sticks in my throat to think what some of these players are being paid for the services rendered."

Sturrock is looking for a response this afternoon and he had better get it.

He said: "Our season starts at Bristol Rovers. Our season is now condensed into 11 games.

"If anyone wants to play in my team next Saturday I need to see sweat and blood in that game.

"I will pick 11 players to run, battle, bite and scratch. That's what those fans deserve and merit before anything else. That's the minimum they expect."

A miserable defeat at Edgeley Park was not the only reason to leave Sturrock less than happy.

Jerel Ifil was sent off for the second time this season and now faces a two-match ban.

To compound the central defensive headache the outlook is bleak for injured skipper Ady Williams.

His knee injury may well have brought his campaign to a premature end.

He said: "Ady is out for the rest of the season. It will be discussed in midweek but we think he's going to have an operation on his knee."

Today's reserve clash at Bristol Rovers is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm, subject to confirmation.