HARROGATE Town have continued to make clear their intentions for next season by opening transfer talks with former York City midfielder Nigel Pepper and ex-Scotland international Stuart McCall.

With York City duo Nick Richardson and Marc Thompson also close to joining the UniBond League division one champions, boss John Reed is refusing to sit back on the success of two trophies from last season.

Pepper, 34, was released by Scunthorpe a fortnight ago, after injury limited him to just two appearances in two years.

A host of clubs have already entered the race to sign him, including big-spending UL premier division outfit Barrow, who are also looking to snap up another Town target in ex-Minstermen defender John Fielding.

Harrogate-based McCall, who came through the ranks at Farsley Celtic before going on to play for Bradford City, Everton and Rangers, has now been released by Bantams boss Nicky Laws and has been approached by Town chairman Bill Fotherby.

However, it is believed the 37-year-old is being wooed by a number of Football League clubs in the lower divisions.

Town chief Reed told the Evening Press: "I have been speaking to Nigel Pepper, but if it is just money he is after then he won't be coming to Town, we can't afford what some clubs are paying.

"The chairman has been speaking to Stuart McCall and is dealing with that. I wouldn't be a good manager if didn't want Stuart in my side, but I personally think he will stay in the Football League."

Meanwhile, cultured midfielder Richardson could join the ambitious Wetherby Road outfit in the next few weeks.

However, any possible deal could hang on Town finding the 35-year-old a job as he steps down from the full-time game.

If Richardson, who is about to start a computing course, does opt to join Town he could team up with Thompson, who has indicated to Reed he will attend pre-season training with the club.

"Both are very keen to join," added Reed. "I hope we can get Nick, but the deal really hangs on us getting him a job.

"We are looking and I'm optimistic that we can find him something in the line of work he is interested in.

"Marc has told me that he is keen to come down and will come to pre-season with us. We will welcome him with open arms."

Updated: 11:37 Thursday, May 09, 2002