Knill took charge at Gigg Lane in February, and has allowed eight players to leave the club as he attempts to build a squad that can avoid another relegation scrap.
Colin Woodthorpe, Dave Challinor, Andy Parrish, Andy Mangan, Jim Provett have all been released, along with youngsters Ben Leonard, Jordan Stepien and Aaron Grundy.
"We just want progression, that's all I want for next season. We've only lost four or five in 19 or 20 games," Knill told BBC Radio Manchester.
"From where we were, that is very good. It's been fantastic for me this season. What we don't want next season is a relegation battle again."