Assistant manager Larry Chambers expects his AFC Telford United squad to take shape in the next 48 hours – with answers expected from several first team players.

Top goalscorer Danny Carey-Bertram has been offered a two-year contract to remain at the New Bucks Head.

And Chambers – who is looking after affairs while manager Rob Smith is on holiday – expects the former Hereford man to sign on the dotted line.

He also remains optimistic that defender Gavin Cowan and midfielder Phil Trainer will sign the one-year contracts that are on the table for them.

“There has been a lot made of the fact that we are offering reduced terms, but everyone is doing it,” said Chambers.

“The only clubs in our league who haven’t cut their budgets are Fleetwood and Eastwood, so it’s not like players are going to be getting more elsewhere.

“We’ve spoken with these players and we want to keep them. We should get answers in the next couple of days.”

Chambers also revealed work had started to bring fresh talent from outside into the squad, though no signings are imminent.

Telford have previously done most of their transfer business in late May and early June, but the hard-working assistant is prepared to be patient.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of players, but I don’t want to do anything until I know what our lads are doling,” said Chambers.

“Once we know who is staying and who is going, that will tell us what money we’ve got to play with.”

Defender Jimmy Turner, and midfielders Steve Jagielka and Jamie Vermiglio have all already agreed non-contract terms.

Fellow midfielders Jon Adams and Carl Rodgers have signed one-year contracts for next season, while Indy Khela, Martyn Naylor, Matty Lewis and Mark Danks have so far been released.

By CHRIS HUDSON