LUKE Joyce expects to take up the offer of a new two-year deal with Accrington Stanley.

Joyce is one of several players out of contract but has been offered a new deal until 2013 after becoming one of the Reds’ key players during the second half of the 2010/11 campaign.

“I think I’ll be staying,” said Joyce, who is due to fly to Malta for a holiday today.

“I’ve not had any offers from elsewhere, I could say I have had but I’ll be honest about that. But I’ve been offered a good contract here, a two-year contract. So unless something happens, which I’m not expecting, I’ll be staying.

“The stability of a two-year contract is good, because with 12-month contracts all it takes is a bad injury.

“I really enjoyed the second half of the season and hopefully next season I can maintain my place in the team.”

The club expect ‘one or two’ departures – with 24-year-old left back Joe Jacobson, on holiday in Israel this week, able to leave on a free should interest from Shrewsbury tempt him away from the Crown Ground.

But 10 of those out of contract, including Joyce, would still be subject to the section of the Bosman ruling that says Stanley would receive a fee if they opt to join another English club.

That rule applies to players under 24 and may yet prove crucial as the Reds bid to keep their squad together.