CHIEF EXECUTIVE Don Bircham today gave an intriguing insight into what could be a busy month for Wrexham.
Player-boss Andy Morrell wants to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window with the addition of a couple of players to boost Wrexham’s promotion challenge.
Possible targets have been identified and Bircham revealed Morrell still has available funds in his playing budget to bring in the new recruits he wants.
“There seems to be the view out there that Andy comes asking for money and we hand it him but that is not the case,” said Bircham.
“Andy has a playing budget which he had since the start of the season, he has a back-office budget and a budget for things like hotels, travel and food, and he manages them all.
“With his playing budget, he has spent what he has spent and what he has got left, I don’t want to say a figure but there are available funds left.
“We will sit down, talk about what is left in the budget and discuss potential targets and that is underway.
“We have been compiling lists of targets, it is getting down to the ones that we want to pursue.”
But Bircham insists there are a number of considerations to be made when attempting to clinch a new signing.
“We are all fans but don’t want to mislead anyone,” he said.
“Andy has to be certain with what he is bringing in, there is no point signing someone just to please fans.
“They will offer another another option and add quality to the squad but have got to be the right price, available and want to come.
“We will chip away, work through it and see what is available.”
Although Bircham would not reveal targets, a number of players have been linked with Wrexham.
Striker Andy Bishop, who scored two goals in four games for Wrexham before being recalled early from his loan spell by Bury at the start of October, is under contract at Gigg Lane until the end of the 2013-14 season but has been linked with a return to the Reds.
“Andy has come on our radar because he did well for us but there is a new management team who recalled him and he has had one or two injuries which might mean that interest is diminishing,” said Bircham.
Morrell was thwarted in his attempts to bring in Fleetwood midfielder Danny Rose earlier this season following a lengthy pursuit as the 24-year-old eventually opted to join League Two side Aldershot on loan but Bircham has not ruled out Wrexham rekindling their interest in him.
“Last time we were mucked about so if we decide he is a potential target, we won’t be chasing him for weeks or months,” said Bircham. “It will be on our terms and what we can afford.”
Although the likes of goalkeeper Joslain Mayebi and midfielder Jay Harris are rumoured to be interesting other clubs, Bircham does not see any of Wrexham’s prized assets leaving The Racecourse.
However, should anyone move on then Morrell will be given the cash to bring in a replacement.
“There is the potential for money from any outgoings but I don’t anticipate any,” said Bircham. “There has been no bids.
“If someone went and that brought in money, Andy would have access to that money because he has saved money on the outgoing player’s wages and will have that to reinvest.”
And Bircham revealed that he hopes midfielder Harris, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will put pen to paper on a new deal.
“I spoke to Jay’s agent just before Christmas and said we want to open talks about extending his contract and he said ‘terrific, he is happy at the club and we will get round to talking early in the new year’ which sounds very encouraging,” added Bircham.