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Set for the start

6/ 8/2008

GLOSSOP North End boss Steve Young believes he still needs a striker as he prepares for the start of the new Vodkat League campaign.

Following an impressive first year in charge at Surrey Street, taking North End to their highest league position in the process, optimism is high that a repeat performance may be on the cards.

For that to be the case though, Young is hoping to add extra firepower to his squad.

He said: "We’re still looking for a goalscorer. I’ve spoken to one or two but they wanted to show loyalty to the clubs they were already at. We’re lacking up front without a doubt though because we’re down to a couple of kids supporting Darren Hamilton. We aren’t lacking anywhere else though because I had 24 players at training on Monday night, all of whom have either played first-team football for us, or at a higher level."

Although Young is looking to take the Hillmen into a higher position than in 2007/08, he acknowledges there are areas for improvement.

While bringing in someone to score the goals is a must, the North End boss is looking to improve matters at the other end.

He explained: "We aren’t defending well, which is a problem we’ve had in pre-season because we haven’t kept a clean sheet. Having said that, we haven’t had a consistent back four but last year we did go on a run of something like six clean sheets in nine games. Then we started winning games 3-1, 3-2, 4-1 and 4-2 which is a problem, although we do encourage our full-backs to get forward. If you’re going to score five and let in two, so be it."

With North End travelling to Flixton on Saturday before hosting Alsager next Wednesday, Young has already identified which teams he thinks have a chance at the title.

While modesty prevented him from naming his own team, he believes a team from close by and one in Staffordshire will be tough opposition.

He said: "New Mills seem to think it’s their title but I think they’ll have a shock, while Newcastle Town will be very strong which will always be the case."