A good place to start would be to look at those who are out of contract at the end of the season.

The first name on this list is, obviously, Garry Thompson. Everything that needs to be said on this topic already has been, and we are all aware how vital it is to keep him. More input would be about as desired as Harold Shipman's presence at a bingo tournament, so I won't bother.

Next, and this has been seldom mentioned in the midst of the Thompson saga, but Garry Hunter is still yet to sign an extension.

In midfield, Hunter is almost the antithesis of Craig Stanley. Both are energetic but Hunter's quality lies in his relentless pursuit of winning the ball. Once he's got it he's rather like an American with a diet plan; he just doesn't know what to do with it. Stanley, on the other hand, can't tackle but his use of the ball is superb. In some ways, they are the perfect combination but are often easily outmuscled.

Stewart Drummond possesses both these attributes but his mobility is diminishing, so I have a feeling that Sammy may be in the hunt for a new central midfielder.

Quite where that leaves Hunter, who could face competition from Fraser McLachlan and Damien Allen, if they are retained, is anyone's guess. It may be that he could be leaving along with a couple of those aforementioned. He is still a valuable asset and deserves another season at least. Neil Sorvel will, for sure, be departing.

In defence, it's harder to predict. Dave Artell had an exemplary first half of the season but his performances since Christmas have been worrying. With the addition of Henry McStay, it's likely he is now considered cover. He could well be offloaded along with Simon Grand, who has never nailed down a starting spot.

Both full-backs should still be here come August. Danny Adams could be player of the season and despite all the visual evidence that suggests otherwise, is still limber. Adam Yates can be inconsistent and may soon find competition for his place but is worth keeping.

Jim Bentley simply has to stay. Recent outings have shown there to be more holes in our defence than in O.J. Simpson's but when on form, he's a colossus.

It's up front where major surgery will be undertaken. Jon Newby has surely done enough to warrant retention but might make way for new strikers. Matthew Blinkhorn goals are as frequent as Ice Ages but his work ethic will see him safe, for now. Michael Twiss and Wayne Curtis could find the curtain is closing.

All we know is that Sammy has hinted at big changes. For now, no-one is safe and everyone is playing for their futures.

It will be a very interesting time.