Reason: Pay me what I'm worth

JAI Reason says he wants to stay at Braintree Town despite turning down an offer to stay.

The 22-year-old midfielder says he has been left frustrated at being offered the same terms as last season but insists his heart is still with the Iron.

"I feel a bit like a salesman who hasn't got his commission," he told the Chronicle.

"I feel like I've been stuck on the same wages when I know other players have been offered improved deals. I feel I deserve a little bit more and I feel a bit hard done by.

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"As a club and as an individual I felt we had a great season.

"I've got no problem with Alan Devonshire (Braintree's manager) at all, I think he's a fantastic manager. But at times like this things need to be done.

"Really I'm hoping he'll call me and we can sort this all out.

"I would like to think that there's a way back to Braintree."

But that's not the only sticking point.

The former Crawley Town and Cambridge United player was played out of position on the left wing last season where he was a mainstay of the first XI.

In fact so good was his form that he was called up to the England 'C' team to play against Gibraltar.

He says he's prepared to drop down a division is that what it takes to prove himself centrally.

"I was taken out of position, I'm not a winger," he said.

"I feel for me to develop I need to be playing in the middle. I feel I'm good enough I've played in a play-off final for Cambridge (United) in the middle.

"I would be prepared to drop down a league."

The player says other clubs have shown an interested in securing his services, one from Blue Square Bet Premier and an ambitious side from the league below.

Talks with Preston broke down though however he says there is other preliminary interest from other league clubs.

Because he is under the age of 24 and Braintree offered him a deal they would be eligible to receive a compensation fee should Reason decide to move on.

Devonshire says the decision rests entirely with the player.

He said: "It's in Jai's hands now. He's decided to turn down the retainer.

"I would like him to stay but it's up to him."

This week the club announced they will play a pre-season friendly against Witham Town. They will visit last season's Essex Senior League champions on Saturday, July 21, with kick-off at 3pm.