RADCLIFFE Borough manager Andy Johnston has started the planning for next season by offering six of his key men new contracts.

Johnston admits that it will take something spectacular to prevent his side from dropping into the UniBond First Division, but he is hoping some of his main players will remain at the club and help them bounce back at the first attempt.

Simon Kelly, Ian Kearney, Scott Wilson, Tim Dittmer, and Ian Fitzpatrick are all mulling over new contracts, with Matty O'Neill being the first to agree to a new deal.

"We have told the lads that we know it will be a big ask to stay in this league now, and want to know what their future plans are," said Johnston.

"We are testing the waters and have spoken with the six of the seven lads that are currently under contract with us. Obviously, Lee Duffy won't be signing a new deal because he is moving to Scotland at the end of the season.

"Even if we do go down, none of them will face a drop in wages and some have been offered improved deals because our budget for next season should be a bit higher than this season.

"We have asked the lads to make up their minds pretty quickly, because we don't want to lose them for nothing if they don't want to stay and we would then be looking to move them on before the end of March transfer deadline."

Johnston will begin talks with the rest of his squad next week, and has challenged them to show they are worth a new deal in the club's remaining eight matches of the season.

"We need five wins at the very least to stay in this league, and some good performances will stand everyone in good stead," said Johnston.

"If the lads want to stay here next season, they need to show us that they are good enough." Johnston has also ear-marked five players to bring into the club to ensure they are more competitive next season.

"I have targeted five players, and two of them are top strikers. We know we have to improve, and we will do that.

"If the players we offer deals to don't want to stay with us, it is not too much of a problem. We will move them on and it will free up more money for me to offer the five players I really want to bring in.

"Ideally, I get those five players and keep all the players we offer deals too. We would certainly be in a good position then.

"But we are not down yet and will remain positive until we have no hope at all."

Boro have no game this weekend, and are not back in action until next Saturday.