DESPITE the imminent departure of Barnsley-bound Barry Conlon, assistant manager Martin Gray last night allayed fears of a player exodus, writes Lee Hall.

Conlon has agreed to join the Tykes on June 30, when his current contract expires

The 25-year-old will then be a free agent, and he agreed terms with the Second Division club on Monday.

Conlon is one of 11 players out of contract, and Quakers boss David Hodgson has already made moves to tie down the rest of his squad.

Despite Quakers' precarious financial position, Hodgson is keen to start planning for next season.

The club will exercise its one-year option on Matt Clarke, while defensive partner Joey Hutchinson will end speculation surrounding his future by putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

Second Division Swindon have been linked with a move for Hutchinson, who has proved a huge hit since joining Quakers from Birmingham nine months ago.

And after replacing the retired Andy Collett, keeper Michael Price will be rewarded with a one-year contract.

In addition, Ian Clark, Neil Wainwright, Mark Convery, Ryan Valentine, Clark Keltie, Craig Russell and Brian Close have all verbally agreed to sign extended deals providing the club's future is secured.

"We know we can't put anything in writing yet but we can start talking," said Gray.

"We've had a very good response and with the exception of Conlon, everybody else should be reporting back for training in July."

"You have to take your hat off to the lads with what they've had to deal with this season," said Gray.

Read more about the Quakers here.