Striker and defender top Little shopping list

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

13 May 2008

BRIAN LITTLE today admitted that a striker and a centre-back – both with pace – are top of his shopping list.

Little's decision to rebuild the Wrexham squad is under way with 22 players told they have no future at The Racecourse.

That includes five players – Anthony Williams, Silvio Spann, Sam Aiston, Richard Hope and Michael Proctor – who have been put on the transfer list.

With new arrivals set to go into double figures if the quintet all move on, Little hopes to have a squad of about 24 players going into next season's Blue Square Premier campaign – and a striker and centre-back are top of the agenda.

"Those five on the transfer list are the key. What happens to them will dictate how many I bring in," said Little today.

"We want fresh faces in and experience would be important but I am not saying I wouldn't be interested in signing young players.

"Initially you look at the backbone of your side.

"So we need a bit of pace up front and possibly some pace at the back.

"We did not score enough this season and also conceded too many goals.

We have not been able to put people under pressure by turning people, and we have been turned over ourselves.

"We will start there and build on that. We will try and get hold of these players to form a different team for next season."

Wrexham were the lowest scorers in League Two this season, and with Proctor the leading scorer with just 12 league and cup goals Little is hoping to find a prolific net finder.

"There are solutions out there," said Little. "Someone may not have scored 20 last season but coming here might open the door for them to score that many next season."

Little has been talking to targets who he believes could possibly end up going to clubs in the Football League.

Although he may miss out on their signature, Little said it was not unreasonable to approach those who are capable of playing at a higher level.

"We are looking for a bit of everything," said Little. "I think the most important thing is to try and get people on someone's list.

"We have spoken to players who could even go to a Championship or League One club – certainly League Two.

"But if you don't ask, you don't get.

"We may be punching above our weight but you never know what will happen.

"We have been talking to some people who are and have been in the non league. But we have also spoken to players in the Football League who might want to be part of our journey."

Little anticipates little activity on the transfer scene at this early stage of the summer but stressed there had been plenty of contact with targets.

"We have been speaking to a lot of people and also met a few," added Little. "It is just to let them know we are interested, and by contacting them we have made sure we are on their list.

"Not many people are going to commit too early, and it could go on for several weeks.

"We are active all the time and myself, Martin Foyle and Brian Carey are even staggering our holidays, though we are contactable all the time.

"The response has been fine but people want to see what is out there.

"But at least they know there is interest there and we keeping informed on their movements."