McParland still searching for striker

Last updated : 10 July 2009 By Jacob Daniel
Notts County manager Ian McParland has today confirmed that he is still in the market for two new strikers, which will definately be needed if the Magpies' new look squad is to make any impression on League Two next season. County missed out on their first summer target Billy Clarke, who opted to join Blackpool when they pounced for his signature at the last minute, and the lack of news from Meadow Lane on Lee Hughes seems to indicate that the ex-West Brom man could be slipping through McParland's fingers.

However, the Scot is not giving up hope and says he won't be rushed into panic buying a forward. The club also have Chris Sharp of Bangor City and former Ipswich Town man Dean Bowditch on trial, although it is unlikely either of these fit the "20-goal man" profile that McParland is searching for.

McParland told nottscountyfc.co.uk:-

"We've missed out on a few targets, but we're working very hard behind the scenes to make sure the person we bring in is right.

When we have missed out on someone it would be so easy to panic buy and just get a forward in purely for the sake of it."

He also re-affirmed his faith in the three strikers currently on the club's books, although their lack of goals last season surely means this is just to keep their spirits high. Delroy Facey, now an international no less, probably would be a 20-goal man if he could score open goals, but alas he can't. Sean Canham struggled for fitness and goals in his first Football League season and Ben Fairclough is still a very raw youngster. Craig Westcarr can also play upfront but seems to have been brought in as cover for the wings, meaning that two forwards remain very much on McParland's wanted list.

For the latest news, keep tuned to NCM...