In the last few weeks their have been contracts signed and extended by Leon Cort, Nick Barmby, Ben Burgess, Junior Lewis and Roland Edge. Meanwhile heading out the door are Clayton Donaldson and Richard Hinds - who looks likely to join Scunthorpe.

Question marks remain over players such as right-back Alton Thelwell who has had a nightmare season with injury, strikers Jon Walters and Aaron Wilbraham who has both struggled for form and goals and Matt Duke whose ability as a keeper at this level is a big doubt.

The centre of midfield is an obvious area which needs strengthening; Captain Ian Ashbee has lead the team to two successive promotions but while his defensive qualities are un-doubted some may question his passing ability, meanwhile on the other side of the coin, Stuart Green has all the attributes to attack from the middle of the park but is not a ball-winner in the Ashbee mould. Junior Lewis may see his appearances limited in the next year, but the somewhat un-popular player provides experience and would be happy in a back-up squad role. Youngster Russell Fry will be facing a make-or-break season next term.

Curtis Woodhouse is a name that has been banded about for a while now, but it looks increasingly likely the Hull lad will be lining up in the black and amber next season as a deal could be shorted out shortly. The ex-Sheff Utd and Birmingham midfielder had an average season with Peterborough but he would be motivated to play for his home town team - the so called 'Barmby' effect.

Looking at the Strikers the return of Ben Burgess from a years nightmare injury has provided the squad with more options upfront, however the fans won't be expecting too much too soon as he finds his way back in the game. Ex-Forest striker David Johnson has been linked to the club but he's wages may prove a sticking point. Peter Taylor is known to be an admirer of Swindon centre forward Sam Parkin, and this summer may see him make an improved offer of over £250k to secure his services.

An interesting rumour has emerged this week about ex-Everton John Oster. The right-winger has been released by Sunderland because of disciplinary matters, and could be a useful signing in a position occupied last season by the improving Ryan France. A move that would probably see back-up Jason Price leaving for pastures new.

Player-of-the-Season Stuart Elliott has made the left-wing slot his own this season scoring 27 league goals, but will find it harder to replicate next season and will start games as a marked man. Kevin Ellison has proved inconsistent since his move from Chester, however he is capable of standing in if needed.

Centre-back is another area that looks in need of strengthening Leon Cort and Damien Delaney have proved accomplished against anything League One and Two had to throw at them, however there may be a need for more pace at the back against some of the nippier championship strikers. Both defenders are still young and learning the game, and while back-up Marc Joseph adds his experience, Taylor maybe looking for a centre back who has been here and done it before at this level.

The squad as it stands 13/05/05:

GK: Myhill, Duke
DR: Stockdale, Thelwell?, Wiseman
DL: Dawson, Edge
DC: Cort, Delaney, Joseph
MC: Ashbee, Green, Lewis, Fry
MR: France, Price
ML: Elliott, Ellison
SC: Fagan, Barmby, Burgess, Wilbraham, Walters?

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