If “their minds may be on how they’re going to sustain that level of income they’ve got used to for so long”, then it is basically an unforeseen consequence of Hilton’s ownership.
If that is the case then come out and say it as a club. Just say “Unfortunately a number of players were signed on contracts that are unsustainable beyond this season and some of those players have indicated they will have to look elsewhere. We hope the fans will appreciate they are as much victims as any of us of the events of the last year and whilst they will do their best for Jimmy and the team, they have serious considerations to deal with affecting their futures. “
