Extend contracts sooner rather than later?

[1cr1]

I know there is a danger of signing players for too long, on 'big' contracts but, given recent performances, shouldn't Caley be thinking about signing up our existing talent for the foreseeable future - before other clubs come looking?

[Alex MacLeod]

Which players do you have in mind? Rankin, Cowie and Niculae all have 18 mths to go. Think Barry's on a 1 year rolling. Not sure if Black wants to stay.

[1cr1]

I was thinking about making sure that by the end of the season Cowie, Rankin, Fraser and Black - hopefully, Proctor (?) could be left in no doubt that their future is at Caley.  We do not want to get in the position in January 2009 of finding our best young talent being poached.  Obviously some of our more experienced players should be included as well - but it is keeping the younger talent that is the long term future of the club.