NORTHWICH manager Dino Maamria claims his ambition is being thwarted by a lack of money and fears his slashed budget could cost the club on the pitch.

With the new season only 10 days away Vics have a squad of just 16, and currently have only 13 fit players. Maamria says he has already missed out on three targets and is still no closer to wrapping up a permanent deal for striker Darryn Stamp.

The former Halifax man scored three in six games to help Vics beat the drop last season and netted twice in their 3-1 win over a Wigan Athletic XI on Wednesday, firmly establishing himself as the manager’s top target.

“He’s been a different class,” said Maamria. “He made a huge difference last season when he came in and his contribution to the team is massive.

“He could be the difference between a very successful season and a bad one, and he’s the signature I’m fighting for.

“But I’ve been told I can’t sign anyone else. We’ve got 16 players and that’s it. We’re having a good pre-season but the league is different and 16 players isn’t enough – I want to continue building. I’m ambitious and I want to move forward.

“When I sat down with the board at the back end of last season we agreed a certain budget and I was working well within that budget. I had enough money to bring in four players but now I’ve been told I can’t bring any more in and I’m four players short.”

Michael Byrne is yet to re-sign but Maamria said owner Jim Rushe and the board are making plans to fund a deal for the Wales non-league international.

He said: “They’re trying to raise some money and trying very hard. I can understand the financial problems but I’m not asking for a lot. What I’m asking for isn’t going to break the bank.”

“I’m doing my best but there’s no change,” admitted Rushe. “Every single sensible business is making cuts and we’ve made ours. Everybody is tightening their belts at the moment and for the good safeguarding of our football club we’re doing the same.”

Vics beat League Two Rochdale 2-0 on Saturday, with goals coming from Joel Byrom and Jonny Allan either side of half-time.