STOCKPORT Countyés players will select next seasonés skipper once pre-season training resumes in earnest next Wednesday, June 21.

In an unusual move, Hatters boss Jim Gannon has decided to let his players have the ultimate say on who should lead the team on the field once the new League Two season gets under way on August 5.

Gannon explained: "I am going to let the players decide who will be the captain next season.

"Weéll have a team meeting once pre-season training resumes, and then Iéll leave it up to the lads to decide who they feel has the necessary qualities and experience.

"I think ités important for the players to pick the captain, and to discuss who they think is the most appropriate player within the ranks.

"They need to be asking is each candidate likely to thrive when under pressure, whether he is a natural leader, and that goes for off the pitch too. The captain needs to fit that bill."

There are sure to be a clutch of candidates for the armband once discussions do get under way at pre-season training, with Keith Briggs sure to throw his hat into the ring after ending last season as skipper.

New capture Tony Dinning was Port Valeés captain last term in League One, so he will surely fancy taking on the role at County, while Gannon also revealed that two current transfer targets would also probably fit the bill.

Gannon has confirmed that évery goodé contract offers have been made to two defenders and an attacker, and he is hoping to hear back from those targets this week as he continues his planning ahead of next season.

He is also currently negotiating with a club from the Republic of Ireland regarding a possible season-long loan deal.

"Trying to tie players down can prove to be a laborious process at this time of the year," added Gannon. "But despite that Peter Ward and I are enjoying planning during pre-season.

"Iéve said all along that we do need to make four or five quality additions to the squad, and we are trying to attract players who will improve the side.

"We need players with proven character, who are capable of helping make this club successful again.

"We are keen to build on what we got across last season, and on the way we want to play."

Meanwhile, of last seasonés squad, the only out-of-contract player who has yet to agree a new deal is goalkeeper James Spencer.

Gannon said: "We have offered James a two-year deal, and weére waiting to hear from him.

"He is away on holiday at present, but I know agents have deadlines and so have I.

"If James was to be offered a much better deal elsewhere then of course I wouldnét stand in his way, but there comes a point when when unnecessary transfer speculation is something we could do without."

Adam Le Fondre (two years), Ashley Williams, Keith Briggs, Mark Robinson and youngster Michael Bowler (one year) have all agreed new deals, but as of yesterday only Bowler had actually put pen to paper.

Promising former Liverpool target James Tunnicliffe and two other youngsters have also been offered contracts.

• NEGOTIATIONS are ongoing with Jamie Ward, who proved such a big hit while on loan at County at the end of last season.

The diminutive winger has been released by Aston Villa, but Torquay and Wrexham are still in the hunt for his signature along with the Hatters.

However, it is looking like Adam Griffin will be staying at League One outfit Oldham Athletic.

He was another loan star at Edgeley Park last season, but it appears that the Laticsé new boss John Sheridan definitely has Griffin in his plans for next term.

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