Hednesford boss eyes a fourth striker

Hednesford manager Rob Smith today admitted he's looking at bringing in a fourth striker - despite landing three of the league's hot-shots this summer.

The Pitmen boss is also looking to land two apiece of defenders and midfielders along with a wide man but retains an interest in adding more firepower to his ranks.

Nantwich forward Michael Lennon and Marine's deadly duo Neil Harvey and Aaron Rey have already arrived at Keys Park in a triple raid on their rivals.

The trio notched 49 goals between them in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League last season but Smith believes more is needed.

Marine defender Sam Barnes has come on board along with ex-Hednesford midfielders Dave MacPherson and Alex Melbourne in other areas.

But star men Cheyenne Dunkley and Chris Clements have returned to the full-time game with Kidderminster Harriers and Mansfield respectively.

And Smith will be looking for strength in numbers as he oversees a big revamp of the Pitmen squad this summer.

He said: "We have had a busy time but there's still a bit to do, I have met a lot of players and I am waiting on answers.

"I would like another wide man, a couple of defenders and maybe even another striker, as we have only got three out-and-out.

"We are a bit short at the back and I have probably spoken to six or seven centre-halves, so I am playing the patience game.

"I am hoping to have one or two new faces in place by the time we start pre-season training on July 1, but we are in no rush.

"There's plenty of time, we have still got plenty of time until kick off and we will keep something spare in case someone comes along.

"Our budget has certainly not increased, just sometimes you have to spend it in different areas.

"If we are going to do anything this season, we need a strong squad."

Replenishing the striking berths was Smith No 1 priority with Mark Beesley, Nick Wellecomme and Danny Quinn released to make way.

Only Elliott Durrell, who was deployed up front and on the wing last season, has survived the cull at Keys Park.

But Smith believes if had to be done after their promotion dream ended in the play-offs last season.

He said: "It's going to be a new-look squad and we have got to hope that everyone settles in and hits the ground running pretty quickly.

"Towards the end of last season, we looked so goal shy it was unbelievable, so we knew we would have to strengthen this summer.

"You have to move quickly with strikers, because everybody wants them!"