CHAIRMAN Mike Burke is to enforce a new code of conduct at Bromsgrove Sporting in the wake of a social media outburst from three players.

Reece Hewitt posted in a fans’ group on Facebook criticising the club over claims they had not paid “expenses” to players involved in the Boxing Day clash with Worcester City.

Josh Quaynor and Craig Jones joined the debate which kicked off hours prior to the club’s fans’ forum at the Victoria Ground on Monday.

Burke insisted the players had received their normal weekly wage over the festive period and vowed to iron out any "misunderstanding" with manager Paul Smith and his squad in person.

“It was disappointing and I have told Paul I want to meet with the players directly,” said Burke.

“Generally, things like that are down to the manager and we don’t interfere but we plan to make it a regular thing so any problems will not be heard second hand. I will know exactly how they feel.

“We are in the process of putting together a code of conduct for everyone to sign, whether they are directors, management, players, staff or volunteers.

“We may be at step five but the wages we pay are not bad, we want to be professionally ran and it is disappointing we have to produce this document to say we will not publicly criticise the club. It should be something we automatically do as a professional group of people.

“It was probably a knee-jerk reaction from Reece at the time and disappointing to see.”

Asked whether any of the players in question would be subject to disciplinary proceedings, Burke replied: “Paul will talk to those three players.

“I won’t put it down to malice and I don’t want to make an example of anyone but technically, it was gross misconduct. I am going to speak to them to gain assurances nothing like this will happen again.

“It was unprofessional and there have been one or two things happening with players or staff making comments on Facebook which does not look good for the club.

“It must make our rivals have a bit of a giggle and we don’t want that. We need to be more professional and not wash our dirty linen in public, which applies to directors as well.”

Sporting today announced star striker Jason Cowley, under contract at Bromsgrove, had turned down a chance to discuss a potential transfer to National North club Nuneaton Town.