PAUL Carden says he is “relaxed” about recruiting a goalkeeper for his Warrington Town side ahead of the new campaign.

Tony McMillan’s departure has left Yellows without a first-team custodian, with on-loan stopper Bobby Jones, who finished the season in Town’s number one jersey, returning to parent club Wigan Athletic.

However, Carden has been running the rule over several goalkeepers who have been invited to pre-season training while keeping an eye on players in the leagues above.

With all that in mind, the Town boss is happy to bide his time.

“We’ve spoke to and sounded out a few goalkeepers who are waiting to see what options they’ve got, but we’ve got plenty bubbling away and we’ll make a decision at the right time,” he said.

“I’m quite relaxed over it all. We’ve got lists of players but they mean nothing – we could have Ronaldo or Messi on those lists, it doesn’t mean we can get them!

“Obviously goalkeeper is the key position but I’m quite relaxed so I know I can be selective.”

Warrington Guardian:

Town boss Paul Carden. Picture by John Hopkins

Yellows have now reverted to a more regular pre-season schedule having trained in small groups since the beginning of July.

Among their number is defender David Raven, who is yet to make a decision on his playing future while Shaun Beeley is also undecided about playing on.

However, midfielder Dylan Vassallo and striker Fisayo Adarabioyo have not joined up with the squad and are believed to be pursuing opportunities higher up the football pyramid.

“Dave is going to see how he does and how he feels in pre-season. It’s going to be further down the line before he makes his decision,” Carden said of Raven.

“I don’t think he’ll ever not be fit enough, it’s more about not just doing the team justice, but doing himself justice.

“He’s been such a good player and had such a good career – the decision is completely up to him.

Warrington Guardian:

David Raven is still undecided about whether or not to play on next season. Picture by John Hopkins

“We’re still in touch with Shaun and while I don’t think he wants to pack football in, he’s got a few things to weigh up with work.

“We’ve done ball work all the time. We’ve worked them really hard – and I believe in hard work – but we’ve just gradually increased it.

“I didn’t want to have them on eggshells about pre-season and didn’t want to get them back for four weeks getting flogged when there’s still another six weeks until the season.

“They’ve all come back looking good, they look fit and strong, so pleased about that. I know I can approach pre-season as I would normally.”

Town’s first pre-season friendly is set to be away to Skelmersdale United on Saturday, August 15, with the new Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign set to kick off on September 19.