Obika won't be signing a new deal with STFC, says Power

Swindon Town striker Jon Obika will not be signing a new deal at the County Ground once his current agreement expires, club chairman Lee Power has officially confirmed.

Power answered fans' queries and addressed issues about the club live on BBC radio Wiltshire, a conversation in which he confirmed Obika's refusal to sign a new contract with the Robins.

Obika has enjoyed one of his better seasons in a Swindon Town shirt, finding form at the turn of the year and establishing a telepathic relationship with fellow strike partnership Nicky Ajose. 

It has been the work rate, power and hold up play of Obika which has allowed Ajose to flourish this season, finding 24 goals for the club along the way. Obika himself finished the campaign with 12 goals, 11 coming in League One with one strike in the cup.

Power began by praising the powerful attacker, highlighting his threat in the advanced areas of the pitch.

"It's the first season that Jon's had a long run of games and I think everyone, all the supporters, will agree that he looks a different player. He looks strong, he looks fit," Power began.

"The problem is Jon's in his last year. We've asked Jon to sign a new deal and obviously Jon doesn't want to, which is his prerogative.

"Not because he doesn't like the club, but everyone has to realise that these are humans, they've got families and he realises that if he goes and has a good year next year he walks away for nothing and goes and trebles or quadruples his money or whatever," said Power.

The Town chairman however admitted the battle to keep players is one all clubs face, and even the biggest of those will always struggle to hold on to personnel who are coming to the end of a contract agreement.

"People need to realise it's not just this football club, but football clubs up and down the land, even the very big ones, that can't stop that," Power added.

Obika was this season named as STFC Supporters' Player of the Year at the recent Swindon Town sponsors awards evening, testament to his efforts during the previous campaign.