PAUL Hurst insists there is no reason to panic – despite being resigned to starting pre-season with no more new recruits.
The Grimsby Town squad are due to report back on Tuesday, but boss Hurst doesn't expect that group to feature any more new faces.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he admitted he initially thought the search for his fourth signing of the summer may have edged closer this week.
But while nothing has materialised so far, Hurst believes there is no cause for concern.
"Although there was an outside chance of getting one in before we meet back, I didn't really envisage anything happening and that's how it is looking," he said.
"I did think that something might have kicked on, but there are players who I want to bring in that aren't in the position, at this moment in time, where they're making decisions just yet.
"I can't see that situation changing just yet and I think we'll report back for pre-season with 16 players on the books on Tuesday morning.
"There are plenty of conversations going on and one or two new conversations starting to take place.
"Clearly we do need some more players, but it's certainly not a time for anyone to panic.
"I was speaking to a manager of a club in this league, who expect to be challenging this season, and he's got 12 currently.
"So we're not the only ones who need to bring more bodies in. As we move closer, things will begin to happen."
Players coming off Football League contracts are being paid up until Tuesday and most are happy to sit tight and assess their options.
Hurst is prepared to wait too – but only for so long – and he's made that clear to the players he's targeting.
"I certainly won't be signing a player the day before the season starts and in my discussions with players, I've made it clear how long I am prepared to wait," he said.
"That way, they have an idea and if we decide to move on, I haven't let anybody down.
"Players who have come out of the league and have been getting paid will be getting that little bit edgier now and thinking that they need to make a decision, and soon – time will tell on those."
