Lee Bell is confident of adding to his squad before Saturday’s trip to Mansfield.

The manager revealed his recruitment plans suffered a setback last weekend, when a target decided against a loan move to Crewe Alexandra at the last minute.

But he says staff are working hard on several leads, with the hope of making at least one signing before the next game.

Bell said: “We had a medical booked in on Saturday and planned to present the player to the fans before the AFC Wimbledon game, but for his own reasons the boy decided to go to another club.

“It was dealt with professionally, it’s not like he just didn’t turn up, but it was a blow because it was somebody we’d looked at for a while and we liked him. 

“But that’s gone now. I’m waiting on two calls today (Tuesday) to see where we are at with things we did late last week and early this week. I’m always hopeful and optimistic that we can get someone in before Saturday.”

Bell has been granted some extra funding to add to his options during January, with Lachlan Brook already agreeing a loan extension.

It’s a difficult market to operate in, with setbacks par for the course. Bell says the key is to remain positive.

He added: “It’ll give everyone a lift when we get bodies through the door. The players need that freshness, some help, and competition for places.  

“There’s a lot of work to do, but everyone is doing it. They are making calls, getting background checks; all the many different things that are involved.

“It can be frustrating but you can’t get too excited when you think things might be happening, because different things can come up.

“You have to move on quickly. Frustration just uses up energy, so I keep everything as positive as possible.”