Who are the players out of contract after this season. I've heard it's around 16?

That’s the nature of the Championship. Lot of 1 year deals. The ones I know of are:

Blackmore
Lilley
Gill
Patton
Flanagan Sr
England
Scurr
Ho

Depending on who's available to bring in I'd re-sign them all apart from Ho, Flanagan snr and Patton. Patton I'd only keep if we can't get anyone better.

I wouldn't keep Lilley. Just promote Lawford to the first team instead and use his salary to strengthen the squad elsewhere (a strike centre?)

Fair assessment. I’d personally keep Lilley as the 9. Flanagan will retire probably. Lilley slots into 9. Lawford slots into 7 (if he signs a new contract).

I believe Holmes, Lawrence and Butler are contracted until the end of 2024. There may be one or two others but the majority of the squad are out of contract at the end of this season. As has been said, it’s how the championship is nowadays. We’re by no means alone.

Is Arundel contracted to the end of next season too?

Not sure. I read at least one other report of a player contracted until next year but couldn’t remember who. It could well have been Arundal.

I'd keep Lilley, but definitely as a Hooker and a back up half. I really rate Lawford, but he's not had any prolonged period in the first team with pressure on him. Promoting him as our main Hooker/half wouldn be crazy.

Agree about Patton. As much as the team frustrates me at time, we have an opportunity for our highest finish in years, I don't think ripping out spine up is necassary unless we have the funds for better at FB, 6/7.

I would deffo keep Patton. I know he has his faults and there is a strong anti Patton brigade. Just look at his stats re assists and his goal kicking average. It's pretty good.