ALFRETON Town manager Nicky Law revealed few surprises in his retained list this week although there is plenty of negotiating to be done yet.
The Reds boss has released striker Matt Glass and central defender Rob Pacey and also seen Jason St Juste return to Garforth Town after a loan spell and Dan Gray back to Chesterfield after a work experience period at the Impact Arena.
Already in place for next season are Kris Bowler, Anton Brown and Paul Clayton who are contracted to the Reds to end of the 2008/09 campaign while Law has taken the option up with Brian Cusworth, Chris Walton, Steve Warne, Laurie Wilson and Matt Wilson plus Kyle McFadzean.
But the Reds boss faces a few more rounds of negotiations with several more of last season's squad including his own son Josh who has been attracting outside interest.
It would be no surprise if one or two more players exited the Impact Arena doors before the season starts, particularly if Law lands the majority of his several targets to strengthen his hand in time for Alfreton's fifth successive season at the highest level of semi-professional football.
Law will also be seeking to put youngsters Oliver Warren, Massiah McDonald, Dereck Dooley and Joe Forster on dual registrations which means they will be going out on loan to gain match experience as well as keeping fit.
It has been a busy week for Law since the curtain came down on the 2007/08 season.
He has agreed a deal in principle with a Conference North-based striker and was involved in talks with other targets this week.
Meanwhile, Work began early on Tuesday morning to lay a new playing surface at the Impact Arena.
The old pitch was completely stripped away and the process of laser levelling began before a new pitch will be laid.
l Alfreton Town have confirmed the first official pre-season game with Sheffield United kindly visiting the Impact Arena for the second summer in succession.
This year's game will take place on Friday, August 1, with a 7.30pm kick-off
l Alfreton Town U19s clinched the Windsor Foodservices North Midlands U19 Football League Division One title last Thursday night with a 2-0 home win over Handsworth which gave them the championship by one point ahead of Dunkirk.
The goals came from Joe Storer and Jacob Walters Lang who scored on 42 and 43 minutes respectively.
The victory saw Neil Cluxton's side celebrating an exceptional season with a well deserved double of league title and Mini Shield as well as being League Cup runners-up.
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