ANDY Nicholas has decided to inherit the mantle of Town's longest serving player at the grand old age of 22.

The defender is hoping to put pen to paper in the next 24 hours and extend his County Ground stay by a further year.

The Scouser has mulled over Iffy Onuora's offer for a couple of days, had a further chat with both his manager and deputy chairman Mark Devlin, and reached a decision.

He said: "Providing the contract is what had been agreed then I'd ideally like to get it signed before the weekend.

"There's obviously a couple of lads, Sean and Rhys, who still have to decide what they're going to do but whatever happens I still think we've got the players here capable of challenging next season.

"Of course you have to think about the future and you wonder whether the grass is greener somewhere else. It isn't always."

One of Onuora's key phrases in the last week or so has been stability' and the desire to build something for the future, rather than than merely the short term.

That's music to Nicholas' ears as he reflects on a whirlwind three years in Wiltshire so far.

He said: "Yes, the gaffer's mentioned that and I think it's fair to say a lot has happened in the time I've been here.

"Stef (Miglioranzi) leaving means I'm now the longest serving player at the club and I'm still only 22 and been here three seasons.

"Maybe that says something?

"I was talking to my dad and we were talking about what I'd been through at the club.

"I've had play-offs, mid-table and now relegation and all the time you're still learning."

Nicholas' impending signature only leaves Messrs Evans and O'Hanlon to decide whether or not to commit their respective futures to Town.

Onuora has been hoping for responses by the end of this week but that doesn't look likely to materialise at this stage.

Meanwhile, Town's fixtures for the 2006-07 campaign will be released on Thursday June 22.

  • THE North Wilts Youth & Minors League host their own mini World Cup at the County Ground this weekend.

There will be an under eight and under seven category held over the two days with 32 teams in each representing each of the nations that will compete at Germany 2006.

There will also be face painting and other activities and spectators are welcome.