The first piece of player news of the close-season came today, with the announcement that Brian Talbot has told midfielders Paul Wanless and Danny Brown that they will not be offered new contracts. Wanless is in his second spell at United, and endeared himself to the fans this season with a series of committed performances. Although his shortcomings as a midfielder meant that he was often down the pecking-order in this position, his recent transformation as a centre back was revelatory, and he looked to be the answer to United’s problems in that position.

Brown’s season has been blighted by injury, but even when he was fit at the start of the season he rarely displayed the talent that had apparently made him so popular at Barnet. In fairness, Brown is one of the players that few United fans will be sorry to see leave, although it’s possible that the same might not be said of Wanless, although it is clear that he is nearing the end of his playing career.

Earlier in the week Talbot announced that he was intending to retain the services of all of the various backroom staff, at least for the time-being. David Oldfield will continue as reserve team coach and will be Talbot’s number 2 and main advisor, while Darren Patterson will continue taking charge of the youth set-up. Tomorrow and over the next week Talbot will be meeting with Tommy Mooney, Steve Basham and Jamie Brooks, all out of contract, in order to discuss their situation, while scholars Paul Burton, Tommy Winters and Bradie Clarke are also likely to be offered deals. As ever, Rage Online will be last with the news.