WES Simpson does not want to sign for Winsford United - at least it seems that way to manager Dave Twite.

Having heard the 27-year-old centre-back might want to return for a second spell at the Barton Stadium, Twite put him at the top of his must-have list.

But on Monday he said: 'We haven't got him - but it isn't for the want of trying. I have rang him several times, but he hasn't got back to me.

'It is a pity, he could have turned us into a major force. He would have shown we meant business and been an inspiration to others. That calibre of player would have been ideal.'

Simpson, who lives in Winsford, has played in the Conference with Northwich Vics. United had hoped that another ex-Blue and Green, Gary Talbot,might jointhemandalso made a play for veteran striker Danny Worthington.

Twite believes players of that ilk could take them to promotion, but he has a Plan B.

Ben Wiggins, who like many of the squad lives in Warrington, is being given a trial and is willing to contest the role of partner to Dave Chambers with local trio Simon Nutting, Ian Morgan and Rob Corcoran.

United were due to play Vics Reserves last night and are at home to Style on Friday (7.30pm) and at Prestatyn on Saturday. They also host Maine Road next Wednesday.

'I have been dying for the friendlies to start. We can't do much than we have done in training and it is now about match fitness.

'We have got a lot of players we want to look at but I think the groundwork for this season was done last season. We'll have a stable side and I am expecting good things,' added Twite.

In the absence of a big-name signing, experienced local amateurs Martin Atwell and Ian Tier enter the mix. Matt Conkie and Craig Clare will fight for the goalkeeper's jersey but James Jowsey, who has just left Manchester United, will start the game in goal on Friday.

MIDDLEWICH Town drew 1-1 in their opening friendly with at Speke on Saturday. Jay Crellin, a Winsford-based trialist, was the scorer.

Manager Terry Murphy used 21 players in all. 'Basically, I put out two teams and both played well,' he said.

'Jay is a left footer and quick and looked good. Nigel Booth, a defender with Knutsford last season, and John Hurst, who missed a lot of games last year injured, were also impressive.

'Indeed, I was pleased with all 21.'

The midfield pairing of Ryan Broadhead and new boy Craig Stevens had the makings of success and trialist keeper Matt Higgins, an ex-Macclesfield Town youngster, also did well.

Town's next friendly is at home to Alsager on Saturday (3pm),Ashvillehavingcancelled the scheduled midweek match. THE Cheshire Senior Cup draw has pitched Winsford United against North West Counties newcomers Cammell Lairds in the first round in week commencing August 23. The winners travel to Altrincham.

Middlewich have Castrol or St Werbergh's away in the Cheshire Amateur Cup second round (October 30), and County Sunday Cup ties the next day include: Hillgate Spartas (Stock-port) v Pockets, Broadheath Central v Wagon or St Joseph's and Poulton Royal v White Swan or Wirral St Joseph's.