Cobblers boss Wilder opens contract talks with midfield pair Byrom and Taylor

The pair are both on short-term deals until the end of the season after being released in January by Preston North End and Cheltenham Town respectively.

They have both impressed since joining the club, forming a very effective partnership, and Wilder revealed that he is keen for the duo to stay at Sixfields.

Lews Hornby was yesterday told that he will not be getting a new deal next season, and other players are also out of contract this summer, including the likes of Lee Collins, Ben Tozer and Matt Duke.

Wilder admitted he will be talking to all of those affected in the course of the next fortnight.

“We have talked to a couple of players, we have talked to Jason Taylor and Joel Byrom,” said Wilder.

“We have opened initial talks instead of doing it right at the end of the season, but there are tough decisions to make.

“We will take every one on an individual case.

“There is still something to play for, but we feel we have the nucleus of a decent side going forward.

“Part of that is adding permanently to the squad Jason and Joel, who have been outstanding since they came to the club.”

Another player that Wilder is interested on taking on a permanent deal is loan front man Jimmy Gray, who is under contract to Accrington Stanley until the summer of 2016.

“That is something that we will talk about and see where we are, “ said the Cobblers boss.

“Jimmy is under contract and has another year at Accrington. He has scored a couple of goals for us and is enthusiastic.”