Manager Nick Spooner believes there is just one missing piece to complete the jigsaw at promotion-chasing Hyde United.
And Spooner is convinced if he can land a proven goalscorer there is no reason why the second-placed Tigers cannot remain in the mix in Northern Premier League, premier division.
Spooner, given the backing of the board to make a striker signing, has revealed he has targeted two players and is currently in talks with their parent clubs.
“I am waiting for the green light, but nothing has developed as yet,” he explained.
“We need a goalscorer and, not having one, has cost us points and would definitely make the difference when it comes to maintaining a challenge for a play-off place.”
Spooner has recently lost forwards Brad Holmes and Joe McGlynn who have been recalled by EFL clubs Blackpool and Burnley following recent loan spells.
Their departures have weakened the front line, the one area Spooner has identified in need of strengthening.
Spooner has brought about a remarkable transformation in the fortunes of the Tigers.
When he became manager in March, Hyde were involved in a desperate battle against relegation after a challenging campaign.
Six months later and Hyde had a spell in top spot and the transformation has even surprised Spooner.
“If someone had said in August we would be going into December in second place with a game in hand on the leaders, I would have snatched off their hand,” he explained.
“In 22 games, we went from third bottom to top of the league which is all credit to the boys who have been great.
“I have been loyal to the players who were here when I joined and helped us avoid relegation but have since then brought in new faces.
“When you look at somebody like Jack Redshaw, he has been pivotal to our success and a father figure on the field.”
Redshaw, who played more than 100 games in the EFL for Blackpool and Morecambe, was captured in the summer from rivals Ashton United.
Spooner added the danger is Hyde become victims of their own success as they have received offers for players.
“The number of scouts coming to our games has increased which is a compliment and we have had approaches for players,” he explained.
“There have been offers but the players see what we are building here and want to be part of it. We have a very good group as you can see by their enjoyment on the field.”
- Spooner has signed a striker, Abiola Sanusi, 30, who has played top level football in Ireland for Shamrock Rovers, Carrick Rangers, Dungannon Swifts and had a spell in America at Miami Dade FC.
Sanusi was born in Nigeria but raised in Ireland where he formed Lola Sports with the backing of the Prince’s Trust.
The business was described as supporting early career footballers to showcase their talent in front of international coaches and scouts and providing focused training, performance data analysis and even language training.
Sanusi, who has relocated to the area, has been at Hyde for six weeks but his international clearance has only just been secured.
He was on the bench for Saturday’s home game against Gainsborough Trinity, his first matchday involvement.
Left-back Josh Askew, who recently joined Hyde from FC United, have moved to Stalybridge Celtic after being unable to hold down a starting spot.