MANAGER Michael Flynn says contract talks are ongoing with several players as he steps up his plans for next season.

Newport County AFC may be 12th in League Two with seven games left to play but the boss insists there is still a lot to play for.

Dan Butler, Joss Labadie, Ben Tozer, Scot Bennett, Frank Nouble, Marlon Jackson and Paul Hayes are the senior players out of contract this summer.

And, while some have already been offered new deals, others have to impress the manager in the final month of the season.

“There’s everything left to play for,” said Flynn.

“Players are playing for their contracts.

“I’ve told them that some of them are playing for their future.

“And I’m waiting on one or two [players] to give me a reply as well.”

One of those is Labadie, who is beginning his rehabilitation following surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.

“There’s a board meeting tonight so I’ll find out more [on Labadie’s contract talks],” said the Exiles boss this morning. “I’m sure we will thrash a few things out.

“Labs is in and starting his rehab this week.

“He’ll see the doctor to double check everything but the road to recovery has started now.

“He’s walking, which is always a good sign so soon after the op, and this is where all his hard work will come into play.

“Let’s just hope that he doesn’t have any kind of breakdown he rehabilitates in the best way he can.

“It could be anything between six and nine months before he’s back playing.

“I’d expect it to be about eight but I’m not putting any pressure on him.

“If it’s seven then great, if it takes nine then so be it; whatever it takes to get him 100 per cent fit – that’s the most important thing.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn admits he’s powerless to stop players moving on for a bigger club or for more money and he’s backing himself and his staff to unearth more gems like loan stars Ben White and Shawn McCoulsky (both above, with Labadie) for next season.

Asked if contract talks would influence his team selection, Flynn said: “No, not at all. I want to put out the best team that we can – or the team I think will get us three points for that particular game.

“I’m not going to have a tantrum if a player decides not to sign a contract and go elsewhere.

“There’s nothing really I can do about it because it usually means he’s going to a higher league or he’s been offered more money.

“That’s what we’re up against and it’s the same with the loan market.

“We got lucky with Ben and Shawn because we’re probably at the bottom of the Football League clubs where teams want to loan their players to.

“But we’ve got a very good scouting system and good contacts around the country.

“And I’ve already started planning. I’ve got a list and I know the areas we need to work on.

“It’s going to depend on whether X stays or X goes then I’ll need this in or that in. I’m always prepared.”