ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is expected to start discussions with players today as he bids to tie the majority of his squad to contracts for next season.

Coleman is due to meet the squad this morning, three days after their play-off exit to Stevenage, and knows he has to move quickly over new deals – with Ian Craney currently the only player under contract for the 2011/12 campaign.

The Reds boss wants to keep most of the group together, having been impressed by the way many of his young players helped the club to the play-offs this term, but admitted recently that he would not relish the task should Stanley fail to win promotion.

Coleman, who was unable to start talks with players earlier in the year because of the club’s ownership dispute, must now convince a number of key men to continue with the club in League Two – with interest expected from elsewhere.

Jimmy Ryan is likely to be in particular demand and talks are now expected to begin with the midfielder.

“We’ll be in next week and we’ll be talking about things,” he said after Friday’s play-off exit.

“We’ve got the whole summer. The gaffer and Jimmy will take their time and make decisions on the players, and we’ve got to wait and see what decisions they make.”

Coleman, who insisted it had been a ‘terrific’ season, said: “I’ve got to sit down with all of the squad on Monday morning and try to formulate a plan of attack for next year.

“It’s going to be difficult. I think I’ve got 99 per cent of the squad out of contract and I’m sure their agents will be trying to make a few bob on the back of them.

“Sometimes that’s difficult to contend against.”