DAVID DUKE is 'hopeful' that he will be wearing Town's colours again next season, although talks between player and club have yet to result in a fresh deal being concluded.

The Scotsman has just returned from holiday in Thailand and he admits the break had the double effect of easing the play-off heartbreak and filling him with enthusiasm for the campaign to come.

Duke, 25, is mulling over a new one-year deal but the fact he has yet to sign should not be taken as a sign of 'itchy feet'.

He said: "I felt it was important after the play-offs to get away as quickly as possible and to relax and put things out of my mind as best I could."

The gutting end to 2003-4 was a doubly painful experience for Duke, as a crude challenge from Leon Knight in the first leg of the Brighton clash saw him ruled out of the decider at Withdean.

That is water under the bridge now and the former Sunderland man is focused on the future rather than the past.

He said: "I'm actually really excited about the campaign to come. I think we've a real chance."

Duke is reasonably certain he will be part of Town's squad for the fifth consecutive season, and said: "There are a few fine details but I'm hopeful and optimistic that things will be sorted.

"As I've said, I'm excited about the year ahead. Why would I want to leave?

"Hopefully everything will be sorted by the time we're due to report back for pre-season in early July."

Duke is just one of several Town players yet to officially confirm their acceptance of deals offered by the club.

Stefani Miglioranzi seems likely to agree a new deal on his return from Brazil, despite speculation linking him elsewhere, with Brian Howard, Alan Reeves and Steve Robinson expected to follow suit.

The big question mark hangs over striker Tommy Mooney, with club and player holding firm on their respective positions. Time is running short with the striker about to jet off on holiday.

Meanwhile, Town officials are preparing to meet with Jerel Ifil and his agent in order to try and seal the defender's switch from Vicarage Road to the County Ground.

Ifil is looking forward to becoming a permanent member of Andy King's squad, and he said today: "I read about Peterborough being interested but I wouldn't have signed for another Second Division club. Things are coming together and I'll hopefully be a Swindon Town player this week."