COLCHESTER United manager John Ward says he is in no rush to open contract talks with any of his players at this early stage of the season.

Marc Tierney, Anthony Wordsworth, David Perkins, Steven Gillespie, Simon Hackney, Medy Elito, Matt Heath, Lee Beevers and Sam Corcoran are all now in the final year of their contracts at the club.

And that means they would all be free to speak to other clubs in January with the prospect of a Bosman free transfer next summer.

Former manager Aidy Boothroyd had opened talks with popular left-back Tierney towards the end of last season, but the pair soon hit a brick wall with negotiations.

And new boss Ward says he is happy to see how his first season in charge pans out for a while before he starts handing out any new deals.

“He (Tierney) was in negotiations with Aidy (Boothroyd) and the chairman, but when I came in I just got on with the job and so has Marc to his great credit,” said the U’s boss.

“I haven’t spoken to him or any other player regarding contracts. The chairman (Robbie Cowling) is keen to leave it a little while to see how we go and that’s fine with me.

“It’s something we will obviously look at in time, but probably not in the near future.”

With a host of Championship clubs reportedly interested in his signature over the summer, fans’ favourite Tierney is probably one of the Essex club’s most saleable assets at present.

The Manchester-born 25-year-old admits that he has settled well in the area following his switch from Shrewsbury though and is simply looking for the best possible deal for his young family.

“There’s no problem,” said Tierney. “The manager knows what I’m like as a player and a person and I fully respect him.

“I’ve got all season to think about things. At the moment I’ve just to let my football do the talking and I’m sure, when the manager sees fit, he’ll come to me.”

Of the players heading towards the end of their contracts, there would undoubtedly be interest in Wordsworth, while Gillespie and Beevers must prove their fitness following a series of injuries.

Perkins has impressed after withdrawing a transfer request, Corcoran has just signed a one-year deal under Ward, while Hackney, Elito and Heath are very much on the fringes of the first team at present.