WREXHAM manager Denis Smith says he will give his out-of-contract players time to decide whether their futures lie at the Racecourse - but he insists he won't be left out to dry, writes Paul Wheelock.
Although the boss is prepared to be patient, he wants to avoid a repeat of the situation he encountered with Lee Trundle two summers ago, when the striker's contract negotiations dragged on before he eventually left on a free for Swansea City.
Smith, who only has eight of his squad on deals lasting longer than June, said: 'I've spoken to a lot of the players - but not all of them - and left it in their hands. I know everybody wants to know who is exactly coming and going, but I think that's too frivolous. This is players' futures we're talking about here so I can't say who will be staying because they have until June 21 to decide.
'But obviously I would prefer to hear before then because I need to plan for next season.'
Two players who will not be playing in League Two with Wrexham are Welsh international Steve Roberts and Trinidad wing-back Carlos Edwards.
Roberts left on Monday to team up with brother Neil at Doncaster Rovers in League One, while 24 hours later, Edwards secured a deal with Championship-bound Luton Town.
Although Smith is disappointed to lose two key members of his squad, he understands their reasons for leaving.
He said: 'Steve's left on the best terms because he's only doing what he feels best for his future.
'He's an organised lad who's getting married shortly so he needed to get something sorted. We would have loved for him to stay here but we couldn't offer him a contract earlier in the season because the club simply wasn't in the position to do that.
'And Carlos is certainly good enough to play at Championship level and he will be missed because he became very popular with the fans.
'I think he likes it here and I think he would like to stay, but I don't think there was ever that chance when you are deciding between League Two and the Championship.
'But the good thing about them leaving is that they have done it in the right manner. Their moves will free up money which will allow me to strengthen the squad.'
Dragons fans fear the departures will be the first of many, with the promising Craig Morgan wanted by Milton Keynes Dons and Swansea City, while top scorer Juan Ugarte is being tracked by Championship outfits Crewe Alexandra and Cardiff City.
Meanwhile, Wrexham have arranged their first pre-season date at Witton Albion on Wednesday, July 13 and assistant manager Kevin Russell has been granted a testimonial against a Manchester United XI on Tuesday, August 2. nChester City manager Keith Curle returns from holiday this weekend and will start his team-building campaign immediately.
Only nine players have been offered contracts and this week the club has rubbished reports that three of them, Phil Bolland, Ben Davies and Stewart Drummond, have asked for transfers. According to chief executive Dave Burford, all three had been contacted on holiday and had denied the rumours.
Chester have been invited by Burton Albion to open their new Pirelli Stadium on Saturday, July 16.
This will be City's second first-team friendly match, following the visit to the Saunders Honda Stadium on Tuesday, July 12 of Stoke City.
City visit Droylsden on July 23, TNS on July 26 and meet Blackpool at home on July 30.
