Boss remains optimistic on Guthrie after holding talks with Jon's father.

David Artell says he remains optimistic after he and his recruitment manager Neil Baker met with Jon Guthrie’s father, as they aim to convince the soon-to-be-out defender to commit his future to the club. The Alex boss is hoping that Guthrie will follow Ben Garratt and a host of younger players to re-sign for the club this summer.

Artell does not particularly want to put a time scale on a decision, but understandably needs to know if he has to add another centre-half to his recruitment plans.

Artell explained to the club’s official web-site: “Neil and myself met Jon’s dad down in Cheltenham and it was really positive. He is a lovely, intelligent guy and I think he appreciated from where we are coming form. He knows how much we value Jon and how we think we develop better with us.

“I cannot do much more. Jon has a decision to make. The ball is in his court and we will have made him a written offer. We will have to have an answer sooner rather later, so we can plan.

He added: “I will be speaking to a few others here this week to see if they will commit for next season and beyond.”