THE Kilmarnock manager, Jim Jefferies, has started his preparations for next season by re-signing seven players.

Freddie Dindeleux, Danny Invincibile, James Fowler, Garry Hay and Rhian Dodds agreed new one-year contracts, and youngsters Mark Canning and Paul Di Giacomo have been offered short-term contracts.

Jefferies said: ''It is great news for me and the club. We are delighted.''

The Kilmarnock manager also revealed that the club has an option on Invincibile for an extra year, and has offered veteran striker Gary McSwegan a six-month contract, while the Scotland under-21 goalkeeper, Craig Samson, is considering a one-year deal.

In addition, Scott Johnstone, Steven Masterton, Neil McGregor and Steven Naismith - four members of the under-19 squad which beat Rangers 1-0 in the Scottish Youth Cup final earlier this week - will move up to the senior ranks.

However, Jefferies is still on the lookout for new players. He said: ''We've had to let a few go, like Colin Meldrum and Alan Mahood, so we want to try and bring in a goalkeeper and strengthen at the back.

''We don't have a fortune, but there is money freed up providing that we get reasonable value.''