Contract talk will have to wait
Contract talks at Rushden & Diamonds have been called off until the club find out which division they are playing in next season.
The majority of Justin Edinburgh's squad will be looking for new deals this summer but he insists the priority now must be pushing for a promotion play-off place.
Diamonds are fourth in the Blue Square Premier following midweek defeats for Kettering Town, AFC Wimbledon and York City who are also aiming towards a top-five finish.
Edinburgh has held preliminary discussions with key players while on-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder Mark Byrne has expressed a desire to stay – particularly if Diamonds secure a return to the Football League.
Diamonds boss Edinburgh said: "There are no ongoing contract talks.
"It's more important at the moment to prioritise the team over any
individuals.
"We've got a group who must be fully focused on one thing.
"I don't want anyone to lose concentration from what we are trying to achieve.
"We need to know which league we are going to be playing in and the lads understand that.
"We don't want to upset anything when we should be looking ahead to the next game."
After two successive away wins, Diamonds are back home on Saturday against Gateshead with the return of experienced trio Jamie Stuart, Paul Terry and Rob Wolleaston.
Before kick-off Simon Downer will be presented with February's player-of-the-month award from the Evening Telegraph and PW House Jewellers of Rushden.
Edinburgh added: "He's one of the best defenders at this level and I believe he fully deserves this accolade.
"It has been a stop-start season for him with injuries and suspensions.
"But we've seen what's he all about with outstanding performances like everyone else.
"Sometimes I don't think he realises how good he is.
"He reads the game so well and he's a step ahead of most people on the pitch."
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Weather for Kettering
Monday 13 February 2012
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Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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