GRIMSBY Town will begin next season with a squad of 20-21 players – but don't expect a sudden influx of new faces.
The Mariners currently have six players contracted for next season, with three more mulling over new deals and three Youth-teamers poised to sign as well.
There remains no news on the futures of Scott Neilson and Chris Doig, however, meaning manager Paul Hurst could conceivably be in the market for up to 12 summer signings.
"We're looking at a squad of 20-21 players – that's a number I'd be comfortable working with," Hurst told the Telegraph this week.
"We don't know yet how many new players that will leave us to find, but there will certainly be a few new additions to next season's squad.
"I've got a list of potential signings and, as with every year, that sometimes becomes a bit of a game.
"That's just the way it is – you don't want to commit too early and perhaps miss out on a deal.
"Down the line someone might become available who you didn't think you could get, and for whatever reason they haven't been snapped up.
"It's a bit of a balancing act, and I think patience is certainly a key aspect to it."
Hurst insists that patience will be rewarded with the kind of quality additions required for another tilt at promotion.
"I'm extremely relaxed about it," he continued. "I know that fans will be very keen to find out and see a signing come through the door, but I can't say when that will be.
"All I can say is that when it does happen the research will have been done and it will be a player who can help us improve and will be hungry to achieve with this club.
"Last year we got some of the squad in place, while with others we had to wait.
"It wouldn't surprise me if that was the case again – that's the nature of the business we're in.
"There are pros and cons to both scenarios, but if a deal can be done at the right value for us then we'll look to do it. If we have to wait, I'm prepared to do that as well."
