WITTON Albion are approaching the crunch time of their pre-season preparations.
'We need to make our minds up on certain players soon,' said assistant manager Peter King, in the absence of holidaying boss John Davison.
Of the several trialists at Wincham young striker Lee Naden, at Accrington Stanley last term, has been among the most impressive.
'He looks sharp, as if he would get us goals,' said King, but he then cautioned it was 'early days yet' in the team's preparation.
The season is under three weeks away, but Witton also have to be patient because better players vying for places at clubs above them in the pecking order will soon be released.
Davison was in no hurry to recruit, explaining he needed to have scope to move quickly when the 'shuffle downwards' happened.
The bosses are not giving Witton a major overhaul upon their return to League Premier Division. But they are looking for a forward - possibly Naden - a midfielder and goalkeeper cover, says King.
They will also need cover for centre-back Brian Pritchard, whose job as a policeman does not guarantee availability every week.
Andy Watson, a former Vics Reserve, and Danny Webster, on the fringe of the squad last season, are competing for the role at present.
The form of Adam Foy in the past two friendlies has delighted King, meanwhile. Foy has scored in each game and getting him into the penalty area more often is a priority for the management.
'He is a confidence player and is on a high at the moment,' said King.
Witton were at Warrington Town last night, are at West Cheshire Leaguers Newton (Greasby) on Saturday and host a Crewe Alex XI on Monday (7.45pm), before 'hosting' tenants Northwich in last season's delayed Mid Cheshire Senior Cup final on Thursday week.
They have drawn Chester at home in the Cheshire Senior Cup on September 13.
