Russ Wilcox is pleased Callum Howe and Luke Waterfall have signed new contracts with the club, and is confident more will follow.
The central defensive duo penned new one-year deals on Wednesday to extend their stays at Glanford Park, and join new first year professional Curtis Bateson in penning the deals offered to them.The club have set a deadline of the last day of the month for all players who have been offered new terms to accept or reject the offers on the table as they look to get their squad strengthening underway prior to the start of the new League One season.
"I am delighted that both players have re-signed for us," Wilcox told The Iron Player.
"Both of them are promising centre-halves.
"Luke made his debut last year at Chesterfield and scored the equalising goal, while Callum's development has been really good as well and he's stepped in each of his loan moves.
"He did really well at Gainsborough last season.
"Both will be looking to push on next season and develop even more.
"I'm pleased we've got those two as our first players to sign.
"I think both have to try and push for the first team. It's the same for every player in the squad, whether you are 18 or 28 - it doesn't matter.
"Everyone comes back with a 'clean slate' in pre-season and they're all pushing hard for that starting shirt.
"I expect those two to do the same.
"I'm hoping there will be more (players signing new contracts) towards the end of the week as well.
"It's important we can keep that core together and push on for next season."
Wilcox will go on holiday for a few days next week after a solid three weeks doing the groundwork for strengthening his squad alongside his coaching staff and returning chief scout Lee Turnbull.
"Sometimes fans get frustrated but I think everyone can understand this period," added Wilcox.
"Agents are doing their work and players are weighing up their options.
"We have to be patient with that. Obviously a time comes when you need an answer.
"I hope the players can stay after the magnificent season we've just had and with the excitement of going up into League One.
"We have other options ready if the players say no.
"We've been working since the season ended and you always have to have that back-up in case there is a scenario when players say no.
"There are a lot of footballers out there who want to play for Scunthorpe United. The club is on the up, the chairman has backed us really well and I am sure he will do the same next season.
"There is a lot of positivity around the football club and if these lads with the offers say no, there are certainly players out there who want to come and play for this football club."
See much more from Russ Wilcox, Luke Waterfall and Callum Howe on The Iron Player.