Manager Carl Shutt has welcomed Avenue having a weekend off, although he wants his team to lift themselves off the foot of the Conference North table as quickly as possible.

Shutt has been scouting for fresh talent to add to the squad following his triple swoop last week. That flurry of activity brought in two on-loan signings from Championship leaders Wigan Athletic, and James Riorden.

They have all settled in well but Shutt is stunned by the amount of chances in front of goal that are going to waste.

Last Tuesday's game at Southport, who went joint second with a 1-0 win, highlighted the problem.

"Our backs are against the wall now and we know we have to work as hard or even harder than we have been doing. And that means in training and practice as well as in games where points are up for grabs.

"David Moore and Greg Trainer have settled in well and James Riorden made his debut at Southport. These players have improved our squad but we aren't going to stop there. I've been just as busy this week as I was last - ringing people everywhere to see who is available."

The players under Shutt know he will stand no nonsense.

They have seen the happy-go-lucky side of the man as he trains with the squad hoping to build-up his own fitness after a couple of appearances from the bench. However, they have also seen the hard liner who will pull the rug out from under anyone who he thinks is not giving their all. Players who have crossed Shutt do not last long at Horsfall Stadium.

Marc Thompson, released after hurling down his shirt in disgust at being substituted, was the latest to be shown the door. Karl Colley, who did not work hard enough on regaining full fitness after six months out of the game, was another of almost half a dozen that have foolishly tested Shutt's patience.

"If the players here can't, or won't do it then we change the personnel," said Shutt.