Jim Jefferies frustrated as Jose Goncalves saga drags on at Hearts

JIM JEFFERIES today explained both his and Hearts' frustrations as the Jose Goncalves contract saga lurches towards its fourth week with little sign of an end to the impasse.

The manager has reiterated his belief that Hearts may decide to withdraw the offer made to the Portuguese defender should he continue stalling on his future. Goncalves' current contract expires at the end of the season and he has yet to commit his future to the club despite several lengthy meetings and personal pleas from Jefferies.

The player is injured at present but has been informed that he will not be considered for first-team duty unless he signs the proposed contract. The new terms offered to Goncalves exceed those of his current deal, which is worth in excess of 10,000 per week.

"We're all a bit frustrated with it dragging on. The only man who can resolve it is Jose," said Jefferies. "While the opportunity is there, he's got to grab it. If not, he'll have his reasons for doing that. It's up to him. The club have done their bit. All he has to worry about is that, for whatever reason, if he decides he doesn't want to commit himself to the club, then that opportunity might not exist much longer.

"It's not the club's intention, but it could happen that they say he's had his chance because he's taken so long to make the decision. I think it will get sorted out sooner rather than later."

Jefferies intends to introduce a disciplinary code of conduct at Tynecastle next week in an attempt to reduce the number of red cards incurred by Hearts players.

"I'll have a discussion probably on Monday with Campbell (Ogilvie, managing director]," said the manager. "

We need to see guidelines put down in writing so they (the players] all know exactly what's happening if they step out of line."