JIMMY Ryan says he expects to remain at Accrington Stanley next season – but he does not want his contract situation to distract him from helping the Reds to promotion.

Stanley had been waiting for the club’s ownership struggle to be resolved before entering negotiations with players over new deals, with only Ian Craney currently under contract for next season.

The Reds have previously admitted they feared losing stars such as Ryan and Terry Gornell to rival clubs, with both able to leave under the Bosman ruling in the summer – even if Stanley would be entitled to a fee because they are under the age of 24.

Ilyas Khan completed his takeover of Stanley 12 days ago, but negotiations with players over new contracts may prove difficult before the end of the season, with all concerned eager to retain their concentration on the crucial run-in as the Reds bid to reach League One.

Boss John Coleman has insisted that his focus is on the matches ahead rather than player contracts and Ryan is similarly keen to concentrate on his performances on the field – after insisting he had heard nothing about potential interest from other clubs.

The midfielder said: “At the moment everyone is concentrating on the football on the pitch and whatever happens off the pitch will take care of itself.

“It’s down to the club if they want to offer me a contract or not.

“It isn’t too late because the season is still going on and it doesn’t get sorted until the summer at most clubs, so there’s no rush or threat of anything else happening. I haven’t heard anything about any interest.

“I’m just concentrating on playing football for Accrington and if they are happy to keep me then that’s what will happen.

“No-one wants to talk about anything else but the football and the play-offs and wherever we’re going to be this season, even automatic.

“That’s the main thing.”