says who ? you always start these one line posts that keep people in suspense because you dont explain.
so what-any player who's contract is up.............. can have pre-contract talks from Jan 1st-makes sense really
are you 100% sure about that? there's definitely a date when people can start talking-it doesn't make sense to wait until your contract has expired
just found this-seems you are correct-still seems daft to me to leave it so late <font size="2">(iii) Within 7 days of Saturday in May, or the date of the last Competition Match of the Club’s first team, whichever is the later, the Club must give notice in writing to the Player indicating that either the Club offers a re-engagement or, if appropriate, exercises any option contained in the agreement. (iv) If the notice offers re-engagement it must specify the period which the Club is prepared to agree and the terms and conditions to apply, which must be the same or not less favourable overall than those which applied during the initial period of employment – or the option period (if applicable). (v) The Player must notify in writing the Club holding the registration within 28 days of receipt of the said notice whether or not the offer of re-engagement is accepted. (vi) If the offer is rejected the Player is immediately free to negotiate with another club. (vii) If the Player does not reply in writing to the offer of re-engagement then at the expiry of a period of 28 days, the Player is free to negotiate with another Club.</font>