TONY Gray looks set to hand Warrington Town a big boost by agreeing to stay at the club.

The striker is expected to remain at Cantilever Park and form a key part of manager Paul Carden’s squad for next season.

Gray joins Jay McCarten, Dylan Vassallo, Adam Carden, Gerard Kinsella and Liam Hynes in staying put, while the Guardian understands talks are ongoing with Shaun Beeley and Tony McMillan.

Midfielders Sean Williams, Mathias Bakare, Will Hayhurst and Brad Barnes, along with defenders Liam Goulding and Jack Higgins, are confirmed to have left, with more of the 2017-18 squad potentially following them.

Higgins and Hayhurst have both joined Farsley Celtic, Williams and Goulding will play in the National League North next season with Altrincham and Barnes has signed for FC United of Manchester.

Question marks also remain over the future of top-scorer Jamie McDonald.

Carden admits Town have had to “tighten their belts” financially but says he is doing everything in his power to ensure he has a competitive squad for next season.

“We are doing everything we can,” he told the Guardian.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose the players we have, but we have to move on.

“We’ve tightened our belts for sure, but we’ll get players in because that’s what happens in football. I’ve had lads on the phone to me wanting to join us.

“It’s happened to bigger clubs with better players. That’s just the way it is.

“I know Jay McCarten has been here a long time, but there will be plenty of clubs wanting to sign him.

“If he didn’t believe we were still going to try and push and challenge this season, he would have gone as well.

“He will have had teams on the phone from this division and the one above. It’s the same with people like Dylan Vassallo as well.

“I’ve got no problems with anyone who has left. They are entitled to leave at the end of a contract.

“The lads that move on, whether that’s for financial reasons or to challenge themselves higher, I think that will all come out in time.”

As the Guardian went to press no new arrivals had been confirmed by Yellows, who begin pre-season training on July 5.

However, Carden says the wheels are turning in that respect and is hopeful of giving fans some positive news soon.

“We’ve spoken with a few players who are keen on joining,” he said.

“I’ve met plenty of players. I’ve made some offers and there’s a few I’m still weighing up.

“We’re obviously active in meeting squad players we have and players we want to bring in. There’s still things going on.”

* YELLOWS have confirmed three more pre-season friendlies in preparation for the 2018-19 campaign.

Town travel to Runcorn Town on Saturday, July 21, before visits to Clitheroe on Friday, August 3, and Trafford on Saturday, August 11.