some three weeks later," Sullivan tolf the Daily Mail."I cannot believe that Carson and his group do not realise how damaging their actions are for the club."
He added: "We did not expect an extended takeover period preventing us from offering contracts to staff -- particularly Steve Bruce, who deserves a new deal. This is a difficult and unusual position for the board.
"Despite Carson's assurances that he would maintain staff, I have to say I've been shocked and disappointed that he will not let the current board finalise a contract with the club's longest-serving and most successful manager. It's a credit to Steve and the players that they are giving their all."
Sullivan warned there will be no extension to the buy-out deadline which applies to the Yeung consortium's proposed takeover, adding: "Some supporters have asked, 'Why don't you pull out of the deal to sell to Carson Yeung?'.
"Legally, we can. But I've given him my word. I will honour my agreement to give them until Christmas to complete the deal but, in the event they do not, I'll have plenty more to say.
"They will not be given a single day's extension and things will not be allowed to drag on. Supporters have my guarantee that this will not continue after Christmas."
