David Artell working through out-of-contract list as he looks forward.

David Artell says that there are eight games left for members of his squad to convince him and his staff that they are worthy of a new contract. The Alex boss has already started talks with the likes of Ben Garratt and Jon Guthrie, who go out of contract this summer and he has revealed that he will be speaking to others he wishes to keep.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “We are working through the list of all the players here who are out of contract. Talks are on-going with some of them and there will be more of them.

“We are not safe yet, so we have to wait. Who would want to sign for a Conference club when they think they are better than that and should be playing in the league? I know I wouldn’t sign for a Conference club, so let’s get safe first and take things from there.

“A spade is a spade in my world and I am a man of my word. I will sit down and be honest with them. We will make them the best offer we can, hopefully they will sign, we will shake hands and get on with it.”