Carr threatens to leave Spurs

Stephen Carr has warned Tottenham that unless they increase his salary in line with other first-team players he could leave.

The Republic of Ireland full back, who was voted Spurs player of the year in all polls last season, will have what he describes as a "make or break" meeting with Tottenham's director of football David Pleat on Thursday.

Carr has 3 1/2 years left on his contract which is worth £4,000 sterling a week - peanuts compared to many Premiership stars - but is currently in talks over a new deal. "The facts are actually quite simple," he said. "I came to this club as a 15-year-old so they got me for nothing. All I'm asking for is financial parity with other first-teamers, but the club seem to feel that as I have another 3 1/2 years on my contract there isn't a problem.

"I love playing for Spurs and would gladly stay, but they have to show me a little respect. I know the fans appreciate me working my socks off every Saturday, but it seems that the club haven't been prepared to properly reward me for this.

"Thursday's meeting is make or break time. "I'm not sure how it'll go but I do know one thing; the last time we met to discuss a new contract, what they offered me was nowhere near what I'd expect from them. Unless there's a dramatic improvement, an agreement will be unreachable. The more they stick to their guns, the more it seems to me like they don't care whether I'm at the club or not, and if that's the case then why am I in the first team every week?"

Spurs can ill-afford to let Carr leave. Their captain Sol Campbell is almost certain to quit the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season because, it is understood, he feels that Tottenham are not ambitious enough.

Spurs last night said claims they are not treating Carr with respect "deserve contempt". Pleat said: "We have every respect for Stephen Carr and it is our intention to keep him content and for him to stay at White Hart Lane with an improved contract, which has already been discussed.

"Although he signed an extension to his contract in good faith at the start of the previous season we are still prepared to give him an improved deal."