Port Vale boss looking for resolution to bolster his attacking options

Andy Crosby wants striking reinforcements to round off a busy summer in the transfer market

The hunt for a new striker – or two – could soon be over for Port Vale.

Ellis Harrison is currently the only senior striker on the club’s books with the new League One season kicking off this weekend.

The shortcomings in his team were there for all to see in the 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. .

And boss Andy Crosby, more than anyone, knows exactly what is required to make his team more effective.

Vale fans, too, will be keener than ever to see the club sign at least one forward before they head to Barnsley for their league opener at the weekend.

“We are certainly lacking in numbers in the number nine position and centre forwards,” said Crosby.

“Obviously, it’s something we are constantly looking at, it’s evolving, we are speaking to players and when we have got something to announce we will do it.

“The season is getting a little bit closer. We have recruited some really good players in a lot of other positions but the centre forward position hasn’t been as easy.

“It’s been challenging for a variety of reasons but we also know that, with the players we are after, when we get them, we will become a more effective team.”

Crosby explained the difficulties in snapping up players that every club wants.

He added: “First and foremost, there’s the player, there’s us as a club and there’s the agents and all those things have to fall into place.

“That just doesn’t happen on one phone call or meeting. It takes time to put all those pieces together, so we have been really close on one or two and haven’t managed to get them over the line but the people we are talking to and negotiating with, they will improve our group.”

Not being able to seal the deal on a front man has not been the ideal situation for Crosby.

He conceded: “Like everything, every manager would want their squad together at the start of pre-season. That hasn’t quite happened in that position.

“We have done some unbelievably good business and improved a hell of a lot of things from where we were. So when we’ve got something to announce on that, I’m sure we will.”

One forward who is still in the frame is James Wilson who came on as a sub against Doncaster and is still building fitness.