STANLEY assistant boss Jimmy Bell says he is determined to hunt down a striker for the new season.

The Reds currently only have transfer-listed Paul Mullin on their books as an out-and-out forward and he knows a hitman is top of their priorities.

"We need to get our finger out and get a goalscorer," said Bell, who has just completed his UEFA A License.

"The problem is they are not that easy to find.

"I think having a goalscorer is the difference between finishing near the top and the bottom.

"You only have to look at Bury - they have some quality forwards and have signed two more in Danny Carleton and Ryan Lowe.

"Last season we didn’t score a lot of goals and that’s why we struggled in the bottom half of the table.

"Our defensive record was equal to some of those teams at the top of the league so it was obvious what was missing.

"Saying that, the season before we scored a lot but conceded a lot and now we just have to get the balance right.

"I think if we secure the signatures of a couple of defenders, a keeper and a couple of forwards then we can be pushing up the table."

The Reds did almost have a deal sewn up to sign a striker from a League One side but a late hitch means it may not got ahead.

"That was frustrating as the contract was just waiting to be signed but it’s not necessarily finished yet," said the assistant boss.

And he said they are still keeping tabs on Liverpool frontman Craig Lindfield, who did well for the Reds last season in a six month loan spell.

"I am in talks with Liverpool for Craig and he has expressed a wish to come back so we will keep negotiating about a loan deal," said Bell.

And he says they have not ruled out getting Michael Symes or Gregg Blundell back at the FES - both had spells on loan with the Reds last season.

"They are still possibilities. Nothing has been sorted but they are still on our radar."

Stanleys are hoping to sign-up centre half Darran Kempson from Wrexham soon but Bell says their bid for defender Godwin Antwi, released from Liverpool, is off.

"That’s on the backburner now," said Bell."He has not got back to us so I don’t think that will happen."

And Bell said captain Peter Cavanagh and defender Robbie Williams still have a future at the club if they are found not guilty when they go before the Football Association on July 20 charged with betting against their own side.

"If they are cleared, I would love to have them both back," said Bell.

"They are both returning for pre-season training on Monday and they have both been with us a long time.

"It is a case of waiting for the outcome and then we can take it from there."

Bell’s son, defender Jay Bell, has turned down the offer of a new contract and it’s believed the teenager will sign for Burscough.

And young defender Bee Ami, who has just signed professional terms with the Reds, has gone on a three month loan spell to Radcliffe Borough.

Meanwhile, Bell admitted Stanley’s start to their League Two campaign is a real challenge with Rotherham, Lincoln, Northampton and Aldershot the first league games.

"It is a really difficult first month," said Bell. "It’s really tough for us but you have got to get on with it. It will be a good test."