Bucks play a waiting game over Graham Hutchison
AFC Telford United are waiting on an 11th hour answer to re-sign Graham Hutchison – as one of two possible centre-back signings.
But striker Richard Peniket has returned to FC Halifax to leave the Bucks with a shortage of strikers with Ryan Rowe doubtful for tomorrow's visit of Bradford Park Avenue, although Dave Hibbert is fit to return.
Boss Rob Smith is desperate to secure reinforcements at the back after Hutchison's second loan spell ended following last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Gainsborough Trinity, while he has lost Jack Deaman and Paul McCone.
"We're still in negotiations with Halifax about 'Hutch' if something can be agreed in time," said Smith.
"If it doesn't happen we'll have to think of something else, but we have other irons in the fire and we might be looking at another centre-half even if we get 'Hutch' back. But Peniket has gone back.
"We've got Curtis Tilt suspended for the game afterwards (AFC Fylde) so we need to do something, although Mike Grogan can play there."
Halifax boss Jim Harvey said: "They (Telford) want Hutchison to go back again but I'm undecided with Peniket, we may well keep him here now.
"He's had his four or five games and he's feeling OK so we might keep him."
Hibbert, who has recovered from a hamstring niggle, could be a straight swap for Rowe, who is a major doubt after sustaining an ankle injury last weekend.
"Ryan has to be doubtful because he was hobbling around after it happened," said Smith.
After picking up four points from two games, tomorrow's clash is the first of four consecutive home games, with Hednesford next Tuesday and AFC Fylde and FC United of Manchester to follow.
But Smith believes 15th-placed Bradford is a tough start, adding: "They're always notoriously difficult – I can't ever remember getting many good results against them. The main thing is we've given ourselves a fighting chance."
