KEN Anderson has voiced concern that the absence of Gary Madine from the Wanderers’ line-up could have a “psychological effect” on the club’s players and fans.

The Whites have not won any of the nine league games this season in which the target man has not been in the starting line-up, drawing four and losing five.

Chairman Anderson highlighted recent victories at Shrewsbury and Southend, both achieved without Madine on the pitch, in a column posted on the official website this evening.

“There also appears to be some misapprehension that we don't win games without Gary Madine which I don't want to start having a psychological effect on the squad and supporters in the next few games,” he wrote.

“I must emphasise that whilst Gary has been great all season, we recently won at both Shrewsbury and Southend when Gary went off and that we have won many games when Gary hasn't scored including Fleetwood, Gillingham, Northampton and Oxford.

“It should be remembered that we have not relied on one player for our goals this season and that they have come in numbers from several of the squad. That said, obviously the sooner Gary is back and fit to play, the better.”

Anderson also confirmed contract talks will be opened with some of the 17 players whose deal expires at the Macron this summer.

The chairman had indicated prior to Christmas that wide-scale changes would be made to the playing staff to bring the wage bill under control next season.

But his statement earlier tonight indicated nothing was etched in stone.

“There has been much speculation recently about the number of players that will be out of contract at the end of the season,” he wrote. “As I have been saying for some time, now is not the time to discuss new contracts and the focus has to be to finish the job we started last August.

“However, what I do know is that there are a number of players that are out of contract who have given their all throughout the season and have earned the opportunity to continue with the club next season and new contract discussions will take place shortly.

“There are also a number of players who have had to be patient and may have been on the periphery but when they have been called upon, they have stepped in and delivered. Many of our players have been absolute warriors all season and this will not be forgotten.

“As far, as I am concerned, everything is still within our own grasp and the same applies to players looking for a contract next season. There is no better example than those of David “Wheater's performances and commitment at the end of last season to show just what can be achieved even at this late stage.”