CARETAKER-BOSS Ashley Vickers admits he must ship players out before making any more new signings.

The acting Dorchester Town chief, who is expected to retain the role until the end of the season, secured his sixth signing on Tuesday night when former Terra James Coutts penned non-contract terms.

And with ex-Magpie striker Warren Byerley and fellow forward Sam Charles, who was on trial with AFC Bournemouth earlier this month following a three-year stint in America, both training with the club at present, Vickers may look to bolster his ranks in the near future.

However, first he must trim his squad. Vickers said: “There are a couple of lads we’re looking at that have been coming to training, however, we need to move one or two out before we get anyone else in because we need to reduce our overheads.

“Warren’s been injured of late so he’s a little short on his fitness. Phil Simkin knows him from his days at Hamworthy United and he’s been putting in a lot of time with Warren.

“When he’s fully fit we’ll see what happens but there’s nothing concrete in place as I haven’t seen him play yet. It might be a case of getting him in and sending him out on loan.

“I’ve spoken to other managers about him and they’ve all said that he’s got something about him.

“The opportunity is there for him. If he grabs it, fantastic, but any deal is a long way off yet.

“Sam Charles is also training with the club having just come back from a good spell in America.

“We can’t just dish out deals for players, they have got to be right for the club.”

Byerley, 24, originally joined the Magpies in August 2003 but left the Avenue during the 2005/06 season having scored nine goals in 44 first-team appearances, and 44 in 54 reserve-team outings.

Charles meanwhile, is back in Dorset after a successful spell with Montana State Billings, in which he bagged 69 goals for the college outfit. Dorchester have struggled for goals of late, failing to find the back of the net since Matt Groves’ winner against Hampton & Richmond on December 5.

And Vickers, who has three out-and-out forwards at his disposal in Ryan Moss, Jules Emati-Emati and Groves, is keen to create competition for places.

He added: “The club’s league position in recent years has not been good enough and you can’t earn contracts if you’re not producing the goods.

“Football is a revolving door at times and you have got to up your game in order to keep your place.

“I’ve got every faith in the boys and slowly but surely we’ll put things right. We just need to fill the right holes with the right pegs.”

The Magpies hope to end their 278-minute goal drought – and their two-week wait for a competitive fixture – when they visit mid-table outfit St Albans City this Saturday.

However, the game is already in doubt as Clarence Park remains covered by snow.

Vickers is hopeful of shaking off his hamstring injury but Jamie Gleeson is expected to remain sidelined for another fortnight.

Vickers said: “Jamie’s got a tilted pelvis. He’s been playing and training non-stop for the last couple of years and his body is showing signs of wear and tear. “He’s probably a couple of weeks away yet but we’re looking forward to having him back when he’s fit.”

Dorchester’s home encounters with Lewes and Thurrock have been rearranged for Tuesday, January 26 and Tuesday, February 2 respectively.

The away meeting with Chelmsford City will take place on Monday, February 8.