HAVING lost out on Gary Talbot and Danny Worthington, Winsford United have now turned their attention to Wes Simpson to lead them to promotion.
The former Northwich Vics and Witton Albion centre back is without a club, but would be the ideal recruit for United.
He falls into the category of being a much better player than the standard demands and would bring an essential added ingredient - experience.
Blues boss Dave Twite said: 'We may have been knocked back over Gary and Danny but they are the sort of quality players we need and will continue to try for.
'Wes would be ideal for us. Centre back is a position that does need sorting and I aim to talk to him this week.'
Simpson is only 27 but lives in Winsford and has played for the club before.
His career has drifted and been hampered by a knee injury since being released by Northwich Vics three years ago. He has had spells not only with United but with Witton Albion, Middlewich, Leek Town and Abbey Hey but has failed to recapture full fitness.
But a new season could be a new beginning for Simpson. United have Simon Nutting and Lee Morgan and they could also play alongside Dave Chambers.
Meanwhile, Twite believes he has sorted out another problem position - that of striker.
Though the club have now given up on Worthington and lost out on Les Miranda to Middlewich, Twite says trialist Andy Stone-ley has been a revelation.
'He has impressed me. He is fit, big and strong and that is what we need in our league. I can see one of our other strikers playing off him,' said Twite.
Stoneley, 22, was once part of the Middlewich Town juniors set-up and comes from the town. He is a soldier based in Chester and believes he will be free to play regularly all next season.
Neil Holden, Chris Melia, Ian Givin and Belgian Terry Riguax, who is still injured, may all be competing for the role of Stone-ley's partner.
The first chance United fans have of viewing Blues' new players is on Tuesday (7.30pm) when Northwich Vics Reserves visit the Barton Stadium.
They are at Styal the following Friday and visit Prestatyn for a friendly and bonding day out the next day.
United are equally well served by goal-keepers and former Manchester United number three James Jowsey may well start the friendlies while he awaits approaches from League clubs. So far, Rushden and Boston have shown interest. New signing Matt Conkie and at least two other trialists await their turn.
Having given contracts to Chambers, Mark Quinn and Stuart Wellstead, United will offer a similar deal to midfielder Rob Hope.
THE Barton Stadium is being cleaned and painted under an ongoing programme by offenders on community service orders.
Chairman Mark Loveless: 'They are doing the small tasks we never have time to get round to and are doing a terrific job - and one of them is going to join training.'
Meanwhile, the canvassing of local businesses for £500 sponsorship packages is having some success and Loveless is keen to hear from others willing to back the club's drive for promotion. The chairman can be contacted on 07974681612.
'What's more,' he added, 'the social club is open every day and doing better and better. We are moving in the right direction.'
