Contract situation is a balancing act for Cobblers boss Edinburgh

Of the line-up that played in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic, goalkeeper Adam Smith, central defender Zander Diamond, central midfielder John-Joe O’Toole and striker Marc Richards are all out of contract at the end of the season.

Neal Eardley, who would have played had he not been missing due to his partner giving birth, is another whose deal expires in the summer.

If you then throw into the mix that starters Lewin Nyatanga, Luke Williams, Gregg Wylde and Michael Smith are loan players, then it’s clear plenty of work is to be done with regards to recruitment.

Edinburgh has spoken of being ‘pro-active’ with regards to sorting out contracts and bringing players in, but with the team still not guaranteed safety in Sky Bet League One, it means it is not an easy situation.

“There have been talks, but in what depth we will keep to ourselves,” said the Cobblers boss when asked if there was any news on contracts.

“I think we have to make sure we are doing the right thing, but we have to be mindful of the whole situation of every player at this football club.

“We have to be mindful of the position we are in, where we are trying to get to, and it is not just one factor you have to take into it, there are a lot.

“Everyone will be fully aware of it, if and when we are in a position to announce anything, but there have been preliminary talks.

“There is a lot of football to be played, a lot of points to play for, and a lot more points that we need to secure, but on the other side of that, you have to look at the bigger picture and be mindful of all situations.”

The Cobblers travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, where they will be without central defender Gaby Zakuani who suffered a hamstring strain in the win over the Addicks.

He underwent a scan yesterday (Weds), and the club are expected to learn full extent of the injury on Thursday.

Alex Revell is also still out with a calf muscle injury, but long-term injury absentee Sam Hoskins aside, the rest of the squad is fit.