Mark Milligan arrives this week from Bamber Bridge on trial until the end of the season with Peter Billing moving in the opposite direction.

Wilson has also released Eddie Hussin, allowing him to move to Winsford, and Ricky Lampkin in order to make space in his squad for new arrivals.

Young Lampkin is seen as a long term prospect and will remain on the club's books.

February saw Vics being knocked out of all the remaining cup competitions and, with a just a few wins needed in the league to ensure the Greens steer clear of a relegation battle, Wilson now has time to develop the squad for next season.

Chairman Rod Stitch said: "February was a really disappointing month. We now have nothing to play for this season, other than ensuring our Conference safety. With three wins we should do that."

Phil Wilson shared those sentiments, adding: "We put out a very attack minded team on Saturday following on from the performance against Morecambe, but the heavy pitch took its toll and we lost out in the physical battle.

"We're looking to improve all the time and we do need a little more strength in the squad."

Of the arrival of Mark Milligan Rod Stitch said: "The lad is coming from Bamber Bridge with a view to a permanent move. He's young and an exciting prospect. We need a dominant centre half and hopefully he'll fit the bill and provide good cover in that area."

Wilson said: "He's only 23 but has a wealth of experience. I've known about him for a while and I know league teams have been interested - that is the kind of quality we're looking to bring in for next season and if he impresses me in the next few months we'll be signing him."

Don't be surprised if there is a new midfield man at The Drill Field in the coming weeks too.

Mr Stitch added: "Our prime concern now is getting hold of a quality midfield man. We aren't going to rush into signing somebody though.

"It will be a case of waiting until the summer for a permanent signing but in the mean-time Phil is looking to get somebody in on loan, sooner rather than later.

"We have three consecutive home games coming up. A couple of wins from those matches and we should be safe. After that I think Phil wants to experiment a little bit more before the end of the season."

The club is expected to open dialogue with Bishop Auckland striker Lee Ellison this week following Vics seven day notice of approach.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.