Soccer: Knights deciding on contracts and coach

Zenon Caravella. Ross Land / Getty Images

It is what John Adshead describes as a messy week but one which will have a huge bearing on the New Zealand Knights' future direction.

Adshead and club management are in talks with players and finalising contracts for next season.

Some have already been told they will be released, others will be back at North Harbour Stadium for a second season when pre-season training kicks off in June.

It is difficult to see more than one or two players likely to be chased by other A-League clubs, although Zenon Caravella seems certain to attract some interest if he is to return to Australia.

Goalkeeper Glen Moss is another who might have raised interest, given his polished efforts since stepping in for the injured Danny Milosevic.

"I'll be glad when things are all sorted," said Adshead yesterday. "There is a lot to be done with the players and management before we take a break.

"Some players might decide to go now rather than wait around until the end of their contracts."

The second of the big announcements after last week's decision not to renew Tommy Mason's contract as Adshead's assistant will come this afternoon.

Adshead said yesterday that there needed to be an Australian input.

There have been suggestions that someone recently arrived in the country will get the job, which hints that former Fulham reserve team coach Paul Nevin is being lined up.

Strong rumours yesterday confirmed this.