Halifax keen to keep squad together

Halifax chief executive Graham Clay is to start negotiations with his high-flying players for next season.

The Shay outfit sit top of the Championship but so far have just one player – forward Said Tamghart – contracted for next season.

Rival clubs can start to talk to players out of contract on June 1.

Clay said: “I can’t comment on individual players, but it’s fair to say we have a relatively young squad that could stay together for several years.

“There were a lot of changes last winter, but we now have the nucleus of a strong squad that can grow together as we head towards 2012 and hopefully a return to Super League.

“We expect to make some significant announcements over the next couple of weeks.”

Head coach Matt Calland is also set for a new deal. His current contract runs out in the autumn.