Though the silence on the expected takeover deal continues to drag on, Holland firmly believes its is so close now that it will done in time for him to call players he wants by tomorrow night and invite them in on Monday.

All this, of course, assumes he will be kept on as manager. But he has had a good turn out of last season's players for the first two days of pre-season training and said: "We could literally go from nine signed players to 21 or 22 by Monday lunchtime.

"I could have our full squad in training which would be great.

"This week we have had Keith Briggs, Jon D'Laryea, Jake Buxton, the Boulding brothers and Carl Muggleton from last season all come in to train and I would love to get them all signed.

"They all know the situation and are being very patient as are the other players elsewhere who are waiting on my phone call. They are still very keen but we really can't afford to wait much longer.

"I know Jake has said he wants to stay in the League but nothing has happened yet.

"And I know Mickey has had offers to go elsewhere in the League, but I have had a good chat with him and am still very, very hopeful we can keep him here.

"It's a good sign that he has come back here pre-season training and he looks in great shape as they all do. They have all looked after themselves."