Published: 02/07/2012 07:00 - Updated: 29/06/2012 21:01

Buckle in hunt for pair of aces

BY JAMES CUNLIFFE
Paul Buckle
Paul Buckle

 

Paul Buckle is targeting two more new signings but admitted he’s not desperate to add new faces.

Defender Garry Richards became the Luton Town manager’s fifth acquisition of the off-season last week, while the outstanding contract negotiations with current stars were also brought to a conclusion.

Jake Howells signed a three-year deal on Thursday and 24 hours later goalkeeper Lewis Kidd penned a new one-year deal.

However, striker Dan Walker snubbed a second offer and has been transfer listed, with the club entitled to compensation should he sign for another club, because he is under 24.

Buckle revealed he still had targets but wants to wait until the squad settles into pre-season training, which begins tomorrow.

“There are one or two more that are on our list but I’m not going to push and push,” the Town boss said.

“We’ve had a lot of success in signing the players that we want and I’m happy with what we’ve got.

“The hard work has paid off. We haven’t got a massive squad, which is what I wanted.

“If the season was starting tomorrow I would be fairly happy.

“I’m going to ease off it a bit now but there’s always a second part to it.

“A week or two into pre-season a lot of clubs shuffle the pack again, when players come back and they’re not quite in the plans.

“There will be players available. I know one or two now but it’s just a waiting game.”

There could still be movement in the other direction with Buckle hinting that Dean Beckwith could be next out the exit door.

“Dean Beckwith wants to play and I understand that, but if he decided he wanted to move on, I couldn’t see myself signing another centre half.

“I would go into bat with [Janos] Kovacs, Richards and [Alex] Lacey and I think that’s fair.”

And after reports linked midfielder Andre Boucaud with a move to Mansfield Town, the manager revealed he has fielded enquiries on a number of his players.

“I’ve had some phone calls on a few of our boys, Buckle said, adding: “I’ve had some calls about Andre, Dean and quite a lot of the boys.

“I’ve got a good relationship with all the players.

“They want to play and if one of them asked if they’d be in my starting 11, I’ll give them a truthful answer.

“I want everyone energised but there’s every chance that there will be movement before the season starts.”

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