ONE of the big issues Karl Robinson will have to tackle quickly is working out which of the players whose contracts expire this summer he wants to keep.

No fewer than 15 of the first-team squad are set to become free agents this summer.

They include skipper Curtis Nelson, top-scorer Wes Thomas, Joe Rothwell and Rob Hall.

Former U’s boss Pep Clotet spoke as early as October about the importance of tying down the squad’s assets as quickly as possible.

But Josh Ruffels was the only senior player to commit his future to the club before the Spaniard was sacked in January.

There was no sense in attempting to continue negotiations before a decision was made on who would be taking charge, but the two-month wait for a new manager means time is getting tight.

While United have an option on extending Nelson’s deal for another year, many of the others can leave for free this summer.

Thomas said: “My focus is on doing as well as I can, scoring as many goals by the end of the season and we’ll go from there.

“If the manager wants to keep me on for another season then good, but if not then you have to move on.

“I’ve had enough clubs anyway, so it’s not a surprise for me.

“There’s no talks at this moment.”

U’S PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT

  • Manny Agboola
  • Josh Ashby
  • Rob Hall
  • Sam Long
  • Aaron Martin
  • Agon Mehmeti
  • Curtis Nelson
  • Ricardinho
  • James Roberts
  • Joe Rothwell
  • Scott Shearer
  • Dwight Tiendalli
  • Wes Thomas
  • Gino van Kessel
  • Mike Williamson