Lingy's contract conundrum

Uncertainty hangs over the heads of many Cambridge United players at the moment like a giant cloud of volcanic ash.

The smog is likely to remain until Monday week, when Lingy will announce which of our amber heroes have been offered contracts for next season. In the mean time, because speculation is always fun and I can't think of anything enlightening to say about our meaningless 0-0 draw with Oxford, here's what I would do were I in the manager's shoes. I'm not counting Beesley, Farrell, or Courtney (sob), as Ling has already made it clear they won't be coming back.

Goalkeepers
Simon Brown - CONTRACT: Brown or Potter would both make excellent number one's for next year. But I'd plump for the former because a) he's the man in possession of the shirt, and has done very little wrong since he arrived, b) he's a Ling player, and thus represents a break from the previous regimes, and c) he brings a bit of extra experience to what will probably be a fairly young squad next year. Sadly this means that...

Danny Potter - RELEASE: I love Pottsy as much as the next person, but it's probably time for a change to freshen things up for all concerned. He remains a top keeper at this level, and should have no problem finding new employers.

Laurie Walker - CONTRACT: Or should that be non-contract? Either way, it would be good to keep him on as cheap back up to Browny.

Defenders
Already Contracted: Dave Partridge - Hard as nails centre back. Not a left back.
Blaine Hudson - Giant hot prospect

Dan Gleeson - CONTRACT: A no-brainer really, the only possible snag could be interest from league clubs.

Aiden Palmer - CONTRACT: Definitely has the talent, but for me there are question marks over his physical strength and his concentration - he seems to drift out of position from time-to-time. Worth persevering with though I think, and will benefit from a pre-season not spent at her majesty's convenience.

Josh Coulson - CONTRACT: I'd have said no until recently, but Josh has upped his game over the last couple of months.

Brian Saah - CONTRACT: Again a no-brainer assuming he doesn't get a better offer. Please stay Big Bri'.

Daryl Coakley - CONTRACT: Never let the side down when called upon. Decent back-up.

Kevin Roberts - RELEASE: Possibly a bit harsh, as I've only seen Robbo play twice, but with Gleeson and McAuley in the squad do we need another senior right back?

Midfield
Already Contracted: Paul Carden - Captain/Assistant Manager/Scouser
Robbie Willmott - Occasionally awesome, permanently petulant winger.
Luke Berry - CRC blonde bombshell.

Antonio Murray - RELEASE: Done a few good things (including that great goal against Salisbury) but not enough to justify a longer stay.

Rory McAuley - CONTRACT: Probably our young player of the season.

Jai Reason - CONTRACT: Seems to have taken Courtney's role as the player who most divides opinions among fans, but there's a good player in there if you ask me.

Simon Russell - CONTRACT: Very impressive since arriving from York, his versatility could be crucial next year.

Scott Neilson - CONTRACT (if poss): I guess it's unlikely he'll be hanging around, but would be nice if we could arrange a season-long loan or something similar. Quality player at this level.

Sam Ives - RELEASE: Good coming off the bench, but hasn't been able to influence games on his starting appearances.

Jordan Patrick - CONTRACT: Talented player from the little I've seen. Hopefully he'll get some game time in the next two fixtures.

Strikers
Danny Crow - CONTRACT: Need I say more. The only problem I forsee is that if he has a good world cup it could alert Real Madrid.

Phillips and Willock - RELEASE: Shame we can't combine these two, not least because the composite player could have the amusing name Callee Phillock. A total of two goals between them isn't good enough, we can do better.

Adam Marriott - CONTRACT: Jez George says he's the most talented young player he's worked with, and who am I to argue with the man who unearthed Robbie Simpson et al.