SKIPPER Sean O'Hanlon has enjoyed a chat with new boss Dennis Wise and chief executive Mark Devlin is confident the club captain will be kicking off the 2006-7 campaign at the County Ground.

As revealed in Wednesday's Advertiser, the defender has now received his two-year contract offer and is confident that a deal can be concluded to keep in him Wiltshire.

It is understood that manager and captain have spoken on the telephone and that there is a willingness on both sides to reach a successful conclusion.

O'Hanlon, pictured right, has already described the respective captures of Wise and Gus Poyet as a great boost'.

Devlin is confident that such encouraging noises will now progress into pen hitting paper.

He said: "We seem to be very, very close on that one.

"I would envisage that being done and dusted in the next 10 to 14 days with Sean staying at the club."

  • Former Town loan striker Chris McPhee has been released by Brighton and Hove Albion.

Recently axed County Ground boss Iffy Onuora had been keen to tie up a deal with the Seagulls' striker but the arrival of Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet is likely to see interest cool on that front.