WITH just 11 days to go until the County squad jet off to Ibiza to take part in the San An Cup competition, early pre-season training signs are very promising, according to manager Jim Gannon.

The County players resumed full-time training last Friday, and so far Gannon has been pleased with what he has witnessed. The County boss said: "The lads are all looking very sharp, Iéve been pleasantly surprised. I am conscious of not overloading the players just yet, but our fitness and strength programme looks to be benefitting them.

"I want the players to be in excellent physical condition at all times."

County fly to Ibiza a week on Sunday [July 9], then play their San An Cup semi-final game against Scunthorpe United on the Tuesday [11th]. The winners of that game will meet the winners of the other semi clash between a local Ibiza outfit and Carlisle United.

The two losers will play a third-place play-off decider.

Meanwhile, Gannon hasnét had much luck in trying to add to his squad this week, while Jamie Ward and James Spencer still havenét decided whether theyére going to be staying at Edgeley Park next season. Wide-player Ward has been given a deadline of today [Wed] to let Gannon know whether he will accept Countyés offer of a two-year contract.

Gannon said: "I need to know now what Jamie wants to do. I want to have my team in place by the time we leave for Ibiza."

Ward is set to decide between offers from County, Wrexham, Torquay and one other League One club.

Goalkeeper Spencer still hasnét decided whether to sign a new, improved two-year contract offer. Spencerés agent appears to favour a one-year deal, but no decision has been made yet.

Gannon has told the Express this week about three initial targets who now look like theyéll be playing elsewhere next season. The County boss met Bury midfielder Dave Flitcroft and Lincoln City striker Simon Yeo, but Flitcroft now looks like he is staying at Gigg Lane, while Gannon was put off Yeo after the first meeting.

However, Wrexham defender Danny Williams is a player who almost made the switch to County, but he now looks like signing a new deal at the Racecourse Ground. Gannon said: "We knew Danny was going to be expensive, but we made a huge effort to get him. He seemed like a perfect player for us, but I think weéve missed out on him now."

Gannon is meeting two centre-backs today, with a view to bringing one in on loan, while a young goalkeeper and two strikers are currently working out at pre-season training.

• TEENAGE defender James Tunnicliffe and young central midfielder Greg Tansey have signed their first professional contracts at County. Dan Ellis has been offered a similar deal.

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