CARL Macauley faces a race against time to sign a new goalkeeper after Lloyd Rigby edged closer to a move to Stockport County.
The young stopper only signed for Vauxhall Motors late last season after spending most of the campaign with the club on loan from Rochdale.
But Jim Gannon’s Stockport, who have only one senior keeper at present, have expressed an interest, with Rigby training with them throughout the summer and featuring in some friendlies.
The League One side yesterday opened talks with Motors chairman Alan Bartlam.
“Nothing is finalised yet but we need to be prepared,” said manager Macauley, who takes Motors to Harrogate Town for the first game of the new season tomorrow (3pm).
“Lloyd is under contract but I am not sure if we would receive a fee if he moves to Stockport.
“Regardless, we would still need a goalkeeper. I am also still looking for a centre-forward.”
Despite still recruiting players, Macauley is pleased with the way his side is coming together.
“They have gelled very well,” he said. “Vauxhall Motors is no longer a team full of Scousers. There is a mix with some Mancunians coming in and it is creating a great atmosphere within the squad.
“The new players, Rio Nelson and Matty Burke, have done well and Tom Rooney and Pat McFadden have 16 goals between them this summer.”
Macauley, however, is remaining realistic about Motors’ chances. The club suffered relegation last season, only to be handed a shock reprieve due to other clubs falling into financial difficulty.
The Vauxhall boss said: “My only target for this season is survival. We can’t look beyond that. Some of these players have been through it last year and have some experience and they have to use that to help the new guys.”
Vauxhall go to Harrogate in good form having scored nine goals in their last two pre-season matches.
A 4-1 home success over AFC Liverpool last Wednesday featured strikes by Rooney (2), Pat McFadden and Nelson.
Then Prestatyn Town were put to the sword on Saturday as McFadden, Nelson, Burke and Anthony Wright (2) gave the visitors a 5-0 success.
Motors’ first home game of the season is on Tuesday when Stafford Rangers visit the Motassist Arena (7.45pm).
