IT WILL BE all systems go now for John Coleman as he starts planning his squad for the new League Two campaign.
The Accrington Stanley manager is in talks with a number of targets and has given players out-of-contract until day (Fri) to make up their minds about new deals.
But he was boosted with the news that midfielder Jay Harris has joined the players who have signed up to Stanley's cause next season by agreeing a two-year deal yesterday (Thurs).
This means he joined midfielder Andy Procter who has signed a two-year deal earlier this week.
Coleman is still waiting on captain Peter Cavanagh, striker David Brown, winger Andy Todd and defender Leam Richardson to make up their minds - and he fears the worst with Supporter's Player of the Season Todd.
"I am pleased Jay has signed, he is a good young player," said Coleman.
"Bit it is not looking good for Toddy signing. "I think he has spoke to his wife and the travelling in every day is taking its toll. I drove to Nottingham on Monday and I would hate to do it everyday. It must do his head in. It is a shame and I don't think he will sign."
And the Reds chief has issued an ulimatum to the players who haven't yet agreed new contracts.
"They have all been offered deals and I can't hang around for them if they are looking elsewhere," said Coleman.
"We have made the final offers and two weeks should be enough to make up their minds. I have phoned them all this week and told them the situation that they have to decide this weekend - we won't wait and be something for them to fall back on.
"I will obviously be disappointed if they all don't sign but I was disappointed when Gary Roberts and Ian Craney left and you have got to get on with life.
"No one is bigger than the club.
"They are good offers to play in the Football League and I want players who are fully committed and want to play for Accrington Stanley. Perhaps they are not right for us if they want to go elsewhere for two bob more."
Coleman was also set to speak to striker Andy Mangan and defender Danny Ventre this week to finally sort out their futures.
On the incoming front, the Reds chief has eyed a couple of targets but won't give anything away.
He admitted defender John McCombe, from Huddersfield Town, was one player he had chased in the past and had noted the player had been released.
And the Stanley boss is also in talks with a League Two striker while he also said Burnley's Graham Branch is someone he has thought of.
"I have spoke to a couple of players and I am due to speak to another today. We need players in every position really but especially defenders.
"I want to have one or two players signed by the end of next week.
"I have been talking to a striker from League Two as well."
He confirmed the goalkeeper situation was still not resolved - with it looking unlikely that Danish keeper David Olsen will come - but he said it was a boost that three of Stanley's ex-keepers were involved in one Premiership game last Sunday.
Darren Randolph played for Charlton and Rob Elliot was his number two while David Martin was on the bench for Liverpool in the Anfield draw.
"I would love to sign David Martin again but I need a quick response from Liverpool as I have also got another option. We can't hang on," said Coleman, who has just Ian Dunbavin signed up.
"David Olsen is still an option but it wouldn't be fair to judge him on one game and it might be something I look at in the summer.
"It was unusual to have three of our former keepers involved in a Premiership game but I was made up for Darren to play - and for them all.
"They all did us a favour when they played here and have bright futures at their clubs."
Coleman also confirmed that, at the League Manager's Association Dinner, one manager had asked about one of his current contracted squad - either Paul Mullin, Rommy Boco or Shaun Whalley.
"I did have an enquiry - they asked how much I would want for a player and I did not answer because we do not want to sell," said Coleman.
"I don't mind people asking as it shows what good players we have at the club but we don't want to let any go."
The Reds have arranged their first pre-season friendly with their annual home game against Championship neighbours Burnley on Saturday July 14.
Meanwhile chairman Eric Whalley met with Hyndburn Borough Council yesterday to try and sort out training facilities for the Reds next season.
After a season at Barnoldswick, the club are moving back to Wilsons in the summer while they look for a more permanent training ground for the season after.
