Phil Parkinson today insisted that he has not fallen out with David Syers.

The midfielder has started only three games since January, when he rejected the offer of a new two-year deal. He came off the bench again at Cheltenham on Saturday for the last 15 minutes.

But Parkinson, who plans talks with Syers in the next couple of days, has stressed he has no issue with him because of the contract snub.

The Bantams boss said: “I’ll be sitting down with Dave this week to have a chat with him. But there’s absolutely no problem between us.

“Syers has got every right to not sign a contract, that’s all there is to it.

“I don’t know if it was misinterpreted but I’ve got no problem with his decision.

“We offered him a contract and he decided not to go ahead with it. That’s the player’s prerogative.”

The unsigned deal remains on the table but City have no plans to improve what is available.

Since recovering from a knee injury, Syers has found himself playing second fiddle behind regular central pairing Ritchie Jones and Ricky Ravenhill.

Parkinson said: “I’ve just been picking the best team I can to stay in the division. The midfield duo of Jones and Ravenhill have done very well together.

“The team selection has proved correct because we’ve got enough points to make sure we are safe.”

Parkinson also explained why Andrew Davies was left out of the weekend squad despite serving his five-game suspension for his part in the Crawley fracas.

Guy Branston, who had deputised in his absence, kept his place at Whaddon Road but was at fault for Cheltenham’s third goal.

Parkinson said: “I just felt it was right to give that team that have got the results recently another game.

“And if I’d brought Andrew down and put him on the bench, it would knock Bully (Lee Bullock) off and he’s done well covering centre half and midfield.

“It’s nothing against Andrew since his ban and I get on great with him. We’ve agreed all the fines and he has trained really well.

“We will have a look this week about whether he is involved on Saturday.”