WREXHAM manager Denis Smith is poised to sign a goalkeeper on loan in time for tomorrow's crunch second division match with Swindon Town at the Racecourse.
His Norwegian target, Marius Rovde, trained at Colliers' Park yesterday, but any deal will depend on suitable financial arrangements with Rovde's present club, Ayr United.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper joined the Scottish first division outfit on a two-year contract in the summer of 2000 and is one of six goalkeepers currently on the Somerset Park club's books.
Yesterday he said: "I've been there two years but things haven't worked out quite as I would have liked and I've been told I can leave.
"I travelled down to Wrexham yesterday and I have to say that the ground and the training facilities are very impressive."
Smith said: "It's no secret I've been keen to bring in an experienced goalkeeper and Marius looks the part.
"If we can work out a way of taking him on, I'd like to think he will start against Swindon."
Smith said his move for Rovde was no reflection on either Kristian Rogers or David Walsh but pointed out that their youth and relative inexperience made it easier for more senior players to shift the blame when defensive mistakes were being made.
Smith's squad-strengthening effort coincides with the start of a new fund-raising initiative by Racecourse fans.
Wrexham Independent Supporters Group is now distributing bank mandates inviting fans to contribute £2 a week to ease the club's crippling financial burden.
Meanwhile, tomorrow's opponents Swindon have been hit by a new transfer embargo until they have paid £75,000 outstanding to West Ham United for former County Ground player, Gary Alexander.
Alexander, now at third division Hull City, was signed 18 months ago in a £75,000 deal, rising to £300,000 depending on appearances, but the Premier Division club has not yet received a penny.
Alexander, who scored seven goals in 37 Swindon appearances last season, joined Hull last August for £160,000.
The Robins, who began trading again only 10 days ago after clearing a PFA debt of £45,000, are also threatened with a winding up order from the Inland Revenue at the end of next month unless a £170,000 tax bill is paid.
The transfer ban is Swindon's second in the space of three weeks and is a massive blow to manager Andy King, who is desperate to strengthen his squad.
And King has also jumped to the defence of captain Alan Reeves who was jeered by Swindon fans during the midweek 1-0 win against Notts County.
"Alan led the team under extreme pressure but he will be the first name on the team sheet on Saturday."
