[Andrew R]

Ps
It could mean only the four on contract for next season actually stay.

I think it’s five if you include Jarrod Thompson who’s signed a new contract.

[Prorsum Semper]

As I understand it they would like you to stay but your contract has expired. So you would have to agree a new contract for the forthcoming season. If you are offered a better deal elsewhere you are free to go.

Ps
It could mean only the four on contract for next season actually stay.

If we want them to stay why dont we offer a new contract?
Or they would play on non contract terms, Supposed by Emmett, maybe its fue to his injury and we want to see how he returns before making an offer, makes sense.

[Joe]

Do we need to put them on contract? Only the ones who could potentially become "too good" for us and attract better offers elsewhere.

[RJS]

We are crying out for a bit of stability given recent seasons, so not overly disappointed to see we are retaining a good chunk of players.  The key as was said last pre season will be whether we can add 3-4 with real quality which would transform what looks like a functional squad for the level below into one which could really compete.  Those 3-4 quality signings never transpired last year lets hope they do this year.

[Tigermatty 2.0]

Do we need to put them on contract? Only the ones who could potentially become "too good" for us and attract better offers elsewhere.

Exactly this, surely the whole point of being part time is that you have the flexibility to shift players in and out of the squad and you don’t have to pay players who are sat in the stands? Unless you’re worried that someone is going to leave on a free and they can’t be replaced then what’s the point?

[RJS]

Exactly this, surely the whole point of being part time is that you have the flexibility to shift players in and out of the squad and you don’t have to pay players who are sat in the stands? Unless you’re worried that someone is going to leave on a free and they can’t be replaced then what’s the point?

Contract's have really bitten us in the past as well (Dawson etc).  Whilst they look great on paper they can become a bit of a millstone, and our recent history seems to suggest we always come out on the wrong side of that particular issue.

[Daveangel]

Exactly this, surely the whole point of being part time is that you have the flexibility to shift players in and out of the squad and you don’t have to pay players who are sat in the stands? Unless you’re worried that someone is going to leave on a free and they can’t be replaced then what’s the point?

You can't win. As soon as a player starts doing well and is poached by a wealthier Club, you can be sure someone will take to SM, berating the Club for being stupid and not tying them down. For what it's worth i agree there should be as few players on contract as possible.

[MeadowClark]

What is the current market like? Do players expect at least a years deal in the summer these days? Because if that was the case then you'd have to offer at least 1 year deals if you want the players you want.

[Neil]

Do we need to put them on contract? Only the ones who could potentially become "too good" for us and attract better offers elsewhere.

No, but then I wonder if any player would ever ever talk to clubs for non-contract terms. The players have always had the power!

---

We are crying out for a bit of stability given recent seasons, so not overly disappointed to see we are retaining a good chunk of players.  The key as was said last pre season will be whether we can add 3-4 with real quality which would transform what looks like a functional squad for the level below into one which could really compete.  Those 3-4 quality signings never transpired last year lets hope they do this year.

These five names!

I'm not naming names but from what has been suggested they appear to be the best players in the Southern Premier. I'd be delighted and amazed if we got them, it's the only thing that can stop us struggling next year.