LIVERSEDGE boss Jonathan Rimmington is diligently working to improve his squad of players as he strives to keep the club at the top end of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

The manager is doing the miles and taking in the games as he seeks new recruits but he knows that identifying targets is the easy part.

The more complex task is tempting the players to a club that is far from prosperous.

Rimmington said, “I’m out most nights taking in a game, an Academy or reserve team game somewhere in the area.

“There are a lot of players out there but most of them think that they’re better than they are. I’ve got one new signing in the pipeline but we need more because it’s that time of year when the injuries and suspensions start to pile up.

“For today’s game I’ve got my captain Tom Jackson suspended, another suspension, a player away in London because of work commitments and another lad who can’t play due to medical reasons.

“The player isn’t injured but he suffered a fit last week and until the doctors know just what caused it, he can’t play.”

Another problem Rimmington has encountered is clubs from higher levels either showing an interest in his players or nipping in to sign the ones he he wants to sign.

The Sedge boss said: “It really is difficult to get players in, we can find them, I know were they are alright after going to so many games, but when we’re offering a bit of expenses and win bonus against clubs in the Evo-Stik are offering a good basic wage, we keep losing out.

“I don’t agree with players just moving around for money but so many of them do chase the extra fiver here and there. When I’m negotiating with a player if the first thing he mentions is the money I just end it there and move on.

“Even if you can afford to sign someone - that puts you off right away. You think, is that all that matters to him? Not for me thanks. I’d sooner have players who can’t get enough football and who want to be part of something.

“We want players who want to part of a team – a group of lads who will walk over hot coals to help each other. That’s what I look for in a potential signing.”