AFC Telford lining up a double swoop

The Bucks' only frontmen are Dave Hibbert and Josh Wilson, after they lost forwards John Cofie and Connor McCarthy plus wingers Izak Reid and Sean Clancy at the end of the season.

But after bringing in midfielders Callum Gittings and Michael Monaghan last weekend, boss Smith said: "We're making a bit of progress and I'd like to have a couple more players in by Monday.

"We're looking to bring in one, maybe two, strikers and we're looking for a wide player as well.

"I'm looking for a decent striker and a good quality wide player, and whoever it is needs to be ready to play.

"That's what we need because without Connor and John, who both played wide of the frontman, we need to strengthen there. So we're looking at wide options."

There may be a chance of re-signing McCarthy, as Southport have signed several forwards despite the indications being that they were taking up an option on him.

Smith added: "I don't know. The last I heard he was going to have a discussion with Southport as to whether he's going to figure there or not. We might know something on that early on next week."

He also wants a third new centre back after losing Curtis Tilt to Wrexham, but progress is understood to be slower on that front.

Meanwhile, Smith has thrown down the gauntlet to his midfielders. Jack Rea and Lucas Dawson have been supplemented by new signings Lee Fowler, Gittings, Monaghan and Sean Williams.

He said: "We've got a lot of midfielders but a lot are quite flexible - some can play wide, some can play off a striker and some can sit deep.

"But I will not be finding a place for them - we've got six players competing for and it's up to them to impress. One thing is certain - I don't think we need anyone else in there."

Smith has backed Williams, who has arrived from Hednesford, to flourish. He added: "They're quite blessed talent-wise in Liverpool and he's in that same mould.

"The frustration last season was I only had pre-season and about four games to work with him and then we went.

"He was in a struggling team, but in a better team he'd really flourish because he's a really good player."