Manager Matt Clements is hoping to persuade highly-rated defender Taylor Parr to stay at St Neots Town.

The centre back grew in stature during his first season with the club after stepping up two levels when arriving from Godmanchester Rovers.

Parr often impressed despite being part of a back-line that leaked more than a century of league goals, but he is now understood to be a target for Step 5 side Newmarket Town, and Cambridge City, who were relegated from Saints’ league last term.

“Taylor knows I want to keep him at the club,” said Clements. “We’ve spoken during the summer and an offer has been put to him.

“We’ll sit down again on Friday and hopefully Taylor will decide that St Neots Town is the place he wants to play his football at again next season.

“I’ve got a lot of time and respect for him, and I believe that myself, Matty Haniver and David Bridges can help him develop into a player capable of going higher than Step 3.

“I’d certainly be disappointed to lose him, but I would respect his decision if he did choose to move on. I certainly hope he doesn’t, though.”

Clements certainly isn’t short of defensive options with Tom Wood having already agreed to remain at the club and Liam McDevitt arriving from Huntingdonshire arrivals St Ives Town.

Parr was expected to be involved when Saints returned to pre-season training on Tuesday night and Clements revealed a number of other potential signings were likely to be present.

He added: “A few players have been invited to come along and we’ll have a look at the team over the next seven-to-10 days before deciding whether or not to offer them something.

“My job is to sign the best players possible, within my budget, to help the club improve on the pitch next season. I need people who can and will buy into what I’m trying to do.”

Saints have further sessions today (Thursday) and this Saturday at the start of a hectic summer schedule which also involves nine friendlies.

Saints will take on Football League opposition in three of those with League Two sides Cambridge United (July 8), Stevenage (July 18) and Mansfield (August 1) all set to visit the Premier Plus Stadium.

FRIENDLY FIXTURES

July 8 v Cambridge Utd (H)

July 11 v Potton (A)

July 15 v Mildenhall Tn (A)

July 18 v Stevenage (H)

July 22 v Harlow Tn (H)

July 25 v Histon (A)

July 29 v Ely City (A)

Aug 1 v Mansfield Tn (H)

Aug 5 v Bedford Tn (H)