By RICHARD WILLIAMS
09 May 2008
BRIAN
LITTLE hopes to resolve the future of Steve Evans next week.
Wrexham boss Little yesterday held talks with the out-of-contract Evans who he
is hoping will stay at The Racecourse.
Centre-back Evans has been at Wrexham for two seasons following a lengthy spell
with Welsh Premier League outfit The New Saints.
And while Little would like to re-sign Evans, he knows the Wales international
has the option of moving elsewhere as a free agent.
Little welcomes the fact a decision will be made sooner rather than later and
said: "I have spoken to Steve and his representative about one or two things and
we have made an agreement to sit down again in seven days.
"We have talked about him staying because I would like him to stay.
"If there is something else out there for Steve he has got that option. If Steve
could stay that would be good but I understand there might be something else out
for him.
"But Steve likes it here and he will make a decision as to how this will map
out.
"Neither side wants to mess the other around and he will give me an answer on
Thursday. I am happy to wait and be flexible.
"If I can't get Steve to stay, we will move on. At least we will know, rather
than having to wait two months."
Evans himself admitted: "I have got to mull things over with my family and go
back next week."
Little's planned overhaul of the Reds' playing staff is well under way.
Eight more players - including Neil
Roberts, Chris Llewellyn and Danny Williams - were told this week they were not
being retained.
Nine players had already been told they had no future at The Racecourse while
another five, who are still under contract, have been made available for
transfer.
As well as hoping to keep Evans, Little has made new offers to just two players
- full-back Carl Tremarco and winger Matty Done - and he has a further 11
players under contract.
Despite making sweeping changes, Little does not expect an influx of players -
he admits new signings could run into double figures - to start arriving
immediately.
"We are having conversations with people who have been released by clubs and
those who have been available for a while," said Little. "But it is not just us.
It is early days and we have to be patient.
"You never know how quickly or slowly things are going to happen. I may not have
the full compliment of players on board by pre-season.
"It's not a case of hold on to your hats, it will be mad this week. I would
prefer things to happen sooner but it may take time."
And even though he has released so many players, Little said he would not be
making new signings just for the sake of it.
"Lots of things have been happening here and you can't just replace people in a
week - potentially, 22 players have gone," said Little.
"And we have to make sure the people we are bringing in will improve us rather
than brought in because we are just changing things.
"People will come in on trial in pre-season and we will see how they do."
One player already linked with a move to Wrexham is Accrington Stanley
midfielder Paul Carden, who is currently on loan at Blue Square Premier Division
outfit Cambridge.
Carden, who was Chester's captain during their Conference winning season, has a
year of his contract to run at Stanley.
Cambridge have reached the play-off final where they will face Exeter City at
Wembley with a place in the Football League at stake.
But Little would not be drawn on speculation with players.
"I was at the play-off semi-final the other day, but Paul might even be in the
Football League this time next week," added Little. "Being linked with players
is part of what will happen and it is not fair of me to comment on names at the
moment."