Rawlinson hopes to secure existing Spalding United squad within the next two weeks

Chris Rawlinson hopes to have completed negotiations with his existing Spalding United squad inside the next two weeks.

The Tulips chief wants to retain the vast majority of last season’s squad, which finished third in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South and lost to Witton Albion in the play-off final.

Rawlinson has already agreed deals to keep Jonny Lockie, Neal Spafford and Connor Higginson at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field next season, but Leon Mettam has one year left on his King’s Lynn Town deal and will return to The Walks.

Defender Kern Miller has also intimated that he wants to try and earn a contract elsewhere, but Rawlinson will keep the door open for him to return.

The future of on-loan Lincoln City winger Cenk Acar is also out of the Tulips’ hands, but Rawlinson is happy with the response he’s had from the squad so far.

“I’m not in a position to announce too much,” said Rawlinson. “But, from our initial discussions, I’m confident that the majority of the squad will stay.

“We’re in advanced negotiations with the contracted lads, too.

“Hopefully we’ll have it all done in the next two weeks, that’s the aim.

“If we can keep the squad together and add one or two, we’ll probably start the season as favourites. The league certainly holds no fears for us now with Shaw Lane and Witton Albion gone.

“It looks like we’ll have Peterborough Sports and Cleethorpes in with us next season, which will certainly be tasty.”

Meanwhile, Spalding held their annual presentation night on Saturday, with star skipper Nathan Stainfield picking up three gongs.

Spalding United 2016/17 award winners

Supporters’ player of the year – Nathan Stainfield.

Man of the match series winner – Bradley Wells.

Manager’s player of the year – Paul Walker.

Golden boot winner – Bradley Wells.

Players’ player of the year – Nathan Stainfield.

Reserves players’ player of the year – Jordan Heeley.

Reserves manager’s player – Jake Scampion.

Special award – “Mascot Pete” Peter Bailey.

Mascot Pete’s player of the season – Nathan Stainfield.