ANDY KING insists he is under no pressure to sell 'at any price' as both administration and the transfer deadline loom large at the County Ground.

Despite the desperate financial state of the club Swindon Town are today seeking a second period of administration at the High Court today the Town boss has been ordered not to accept any derisory offers from clubs looking to take advantage.

The telephone in his office remains quiet but King has a fairly clear idea which player or players will be the subject of offers should it ring before 5pm tomorrow.

The manager is prepared for that eventuality and he has already worked out what he would regard as a fair price for each member of his squad.

He said: "I appreciate the fact that the board have told me not to sell unless, in my judgment, I feel it is an offer which will allow me to strengthen my squad and for the player concerned to better his career.

"In our current situation there might be some directors who would take the decision out of the manager's hands but I am grateful that the people here have faith in me to make the right decisions. If they didn't, then I suppose they would not have brought me back in the first place."

But King knows he must listen to any serious offer for a player if the telephone should suddenly ring and another manager starts talking money.

He said: "As I have said before, no-one is going to come in and try and insult Andy King by offering peanuts for players.

"I know in my own mind what each player is worth, but that price is not fixed. You can be sure that the price would be different depending on the status of the club making the approach. You would not expect Southend to pay the same price as Southampton if both made inquiries."

But while King can only talk hypothetically about possible departures at this stage, he knows that he must soon deal with the very real prospect of breaking hearts.

He said: "Once the transfer deadline has past I will start the unhappy task of informing those I will not be taking on next year.

"It is the part of the job that I really hate. It is difficult enough having to tell the professionals that they have no future at your football club but it is the kids which really get to you. These are young lads full of hope and you have to sit down and shatter their dreams."

But who stays and who goes should not come as a total shock to those concerned. King said: "I have already spoken to a few individuals about how I see the future, although nothing has been put together formally."

The real problem for King is the 'maybes'.

He said: "There are a few still to be decided on. The big clubs can take a chance but I do not think this club can afford to keep players who may or may not figure regularly next season."

Town's reserves will look to pick up their second Avon Insurance Combination victory in three days when they entertain Portsmouth this afternoon (2pm).