Leyton Orient head coach Ross Embleton is hoping they can start to tie players down to new contracts as they plan for the future while continuing their progress this season.
The O’s will welcome Crawley Town to the Breyer Group Stadium on Saturday as they look to build on their positive home form having won their last four consecutive league matches in E10.
They have plenty of key figures whose contracts are due to expire in June 2021 and the boss has revealed work is already taking place to agree on new deals.
“There are a number that are taking place. I know there have been original offers, and some follow-ups on those as well,” Embleton said.
“It's a very difficult time, I think everyone will respect that. We want the players that we’re going to want moving forward.
“Also at the same time, I'm sure there are a number of our current squad that are going to get signed throughout the season, and those negotiations take a little bit of time.
“As a player I'm sure you don’t know what the going rates are. As a club we’re trying to negotiate what the future of football will look like. It takes a little bit of time in any case but certainly in the world we’re living in.
“The work is being done and I would hope we’ll see some signing in the coming weeks.”
Midfielder Josh Wright and attacker Jordan Maguire-Drew have failed to make the bench recently due to the strength in depth in the squad.
“I was explaining to one of our fans before the game, I’m disappointed to leave players out like that. Josh Wright and Jordan Maguire-Drew mean a lot to me as people as well as footballers.
“You don’t want to disappoint them, but someone has to miss out, and I've chosen that squad to go out and get us a result. Fortunately for myself and the club we’ve got the win we require.
“Very disappointing for them two, but we’ve got a good squad of players, and everyone is pushing for places.”
Leyton Orient were due to face Morecambe away from home last night (Tuesday) on the back of a vital 2-1 victory over leaders Newport County thanks to goals from Danny Johnson and James Brophy.
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