A STRIKER is at the top of Andy Preece's New Year wish-list.

The Worcester City player-manager is working around the clock to add his latest recruit before tomorrow's Nationwide North clash at Hyde United (2pm).

Preece has been frustrated in his bid to strengthen City's squad over the past 10 days, admitting he received knock-backs to a couple of enquiries.

He is desperate to add greater fire-power and his desire will not have been dampened by Worcester's missed chances in the 1-1 Boxing Day draw at Stafford Rangers.

"We are looking to freshen things up," said Preece. "I'll be trying until 1pm today to do something.

"It would be nice to bring a striker in. That's probably the main area I'm looking at. It's not really to replace anybody, but to add competition.

"We've lost Jimmi-Lee Jones for quite a long period of time and we are a bit short in numbers. We are looking to add to the squad and give a rest to one or two.

"It's just not that easy getting those players that you want to bring in. I don't want to pay to bring somebody to the club. That's the last thing I want to do.

"We've been very close to bringing a couple of players in, then at the last minute they did not come off. It's just disappointing to get so close, but it cannot be helped."

Meanwhile, Preece admits he is flattered to be linked with the managerial vacancy at League Two basement boys Stockport County.

Preece, who bagged over 50 goals at Edgeley Park from 1991 to 1994, is considered one of the young outsiders for the post vacated by Chris Turner after Stockport's 6-0 thrashing at Macclesfield.

Experienced duo Stan Ternant and Brian Horton are the leading candidates, along with caretaker-boss Jim Gannon.

Preece added: "I'm flattered to be linked with the (Stockport) job. Obviously it's a club close to my heart. I had the best time of my career there.

"But I'm trying to do a job at Worcester. I've signed a new contract and things are going well and moving in the right direction."