Chairman Ron Martin has insisted that no player is bigger than the club after placing three contract rebels on the transfer list today.

The Blues supremo moved this afternoon to circulate the names of Peter Clarke, Simon Francis and Nicky Bailey after the trio refused to accept contract extensions.

But the Mr Martin admitted that the door was still open for the three players once their representatives' demands reached a more realistic level.

"It has all largely stemmed from their agents being too demanding," Martin told southendunited.co.uk in an exclusive interview this evening.

"All three were offered new contracts and each of the agents have come back and asked for a great deal more than we have offered.

"Those sums are so far out of kelter with what they are worth in League One that it is cost effective to now use those proceeds to reinvest in other players."

Indeed it was Bailey's agents' demands to more than double his current salary that was the final straw which broke the camels back.

Blues signed the 23-year-old midfielder for £175,000 from League Two side Barnet last season.

And having picked up United's Player of the Year award last season, the former Fulham trainee may be heading for the exit door after only 12-months.

"We have got a year left of Simon Francis and Peter Clarke, with two-years remaining with Nicky Bailey," Ron said.

"When we signed Nicky from Barnet we gave him a very substantial contract and his agent now wants us to more than double that salary.

"We could hold onto them but then we would have disinterested players. If this is the stance that their agents are taking it is disappointing; but it is better for us to capitalise on their worth now and reinvest in the squad.

"No player is irreplaceable, Steve Tilson and myself are all singing from the same song sheet on this matter and we both agree.

"We want players that want to play for Southend United. I am disappointed as all three are very good players."

However, the Chairman did admit that the door was not completely shut to the trio if their demands became more realistic.

He added: "No ties are being cut, but what I am saying is that those demands won't be met by us and if they want to be by others then so be it.

"We are talking to huge amount of people at the moment, and hopefully those labours will start to bare the fruit shortly."