David Artell appreciates that the summer transfer window can be a frustrating period for any manager, but he stresses that provides one of only two opportunities in a year to improve the squad.

The Alex boss has quickly snapped up forward Christopher Long on a free transfer from Mortherwell and he admitted last week that ‘he has one or two other irons in the fire’ as he aims to bolster his squad.

The news that defender Omar Beckles has elected to return to London in joining Leyton Orient has only intensified his search for a new centre-half and the boss is aiming to improve his squad in most positions this summer.

Artell told the club’s official website: “The market can be frustrating because you put the work in, you meet the player and the agent and you think you are getting somewhere but then it doesn’t materialise for one reason of another. Of course, the wages come into at times but not always. Location or opportunity can also pay a part too.

“What we have to try and do is use the opportunity to improve. There are two windows in a season and this is the one where you can conduct most of your business. You have more time to do your homework and whilst it can be frustrating, time is on your side more compared to January.

“We have to find players to improve us. We have to try and bridge that gap. We were eight points off the top six, so although it is hard to bridge that gap that is what we have to try and do.

He added: “That is the challenge and then if we can break into that top six, can we stay there? There is no reason why we can't and that is what we are going to ask of the players. That is the mindset they have to possess going into the new season and if anyone doesn’t feel that way then we have to change it and quickly.”