STEFANI Miglioranzi's four year-stay at the County Ground appears to be over with both manager and midfielder believing the time is right for a fresh challenge.

The Brazilian is thought to have other options after a season disrupted by injury and loss of form.

He has clocked up more than 100 league starts since switching from Portsmouth in July 2002.

Onuora said: "I had an open, honest discussion with Stef.

"I think he's had offers from other clubs. He was one of the ones I wasn't sure of for next year anyway, if I'm being absolutely hand on heart.

"I have tremendous regard for him as a player and a person but that's football. It looks like he's going to move on.

"You never say never but sometimes people need a change.

"Everyone loves Stef around the place but sometimes for your career you might say do I need a fresh challenge somewhere?

"Maybe that was in his mind every bit as it was in my mind?

"It was a mutual decision but hopefully there's mutual respect."

While Miglioranzi. currently recovering from knee surgery, looks to be out, Onuora doesn't yet have a clear indication how two of his key assets view their respective futures.

Goalkeeper Rhys Evans and skipper Sean O'Hanlon have been asked to make decisions sooner rather than later.

Both are likely to have other options.

Onuora said: "Rhys and Sean have promised to come back to me by the end of the week. "They're still weighing things up.

"I'm away for a week's holiday at the end of May and if I have to sort out incomings specifically for those two, I'd like to be able to look at that before I go away."

While Town's longest servant (Miglioranzi) is heading for pastures new, another experienced player will be staying put for another 12 months.

Onuora said: "We're going to extend Steve Jenkins' stay for a year. He's a good servant, versatile and a good, experienced professional."

Paul Smith appears to have agreed to stay for another year with Onuora just needing to sit down with the 34-year-old to sort out bits and pieces'.

A chat with striker Chris McPhee and his agent also beckons.

Onuora said: "Chris I like, I like a lot. I'm probably going to speak to his agent about tying him down a bit more permanently, for next year certainly."

Andy Nicholas is weighing up whether to accept a new one-year deal.

Toumani Diagouraga has returned to Watford while Jamie Cureton, Gareth Whalley, Christian Roberts, Andy Gurney, Aaron Brown and Lee Peacock are all under contract for at least another year.

Onuora sees no reason why all won't report back for pre-season but did add: "With one or two there might be a question of watch this space but the majority I expect to see back."

Nicky Nicolau has been released as have several former youth team members.

Goalkeeper Matt Bulman, defender Kyle Lapham and midfielder Chris Taylor are all looking for new clubs.

TOWN CONTRACT LATEST

SET TO STAY

  • Jerel Ifil - one year
  • Michael Pook - one year
  • Jack Smith - one year
  • Charlie Comyn-Platt - one year
  • Ricky Shakes - one year
  • Steve Jenkins - one year
  • Ashan Holgate - one year
  • Ben Wells - one year
  • David Stroud - six months with a view to a further six.
  • Leigh Henry - six months with a view to a further six.

OUT

  • Stefani Miglioranzi
  • Matt Bulman
  • Kyle Lapham
  • Nicky Nicolau
  • Chris Taylor

IN TALKS

  • Chris McPhee - talks yet to take place with player and agent.
  • Lukas Jutkiewicz - currently on a scholarship deal but club want to offer professional deal.
  • Andy Caton - Expected to stay although attempts being made to see if he can repeat a scholarship year.
  • Trevor Benjamin - Still to talk with Onuora but has deal at Peterborough United.

OFFERED DEALS

  • Andy Nicholas - one year
  • Paul Smith - one year
  • Rhys Evans - unspecified
  • Sean O'Hanlon - unspecified

UNDER CONTRACT

  • Jamie Cureton (one year to run)
  • Gareth Whalley (two years to run)
  • Lee Peacock (two years to run)
  • Christian Roberts (one year to run)
  • Andy Gurney (one year to run)
  • Aaron Brown (one year to run)