BLUEBIRDS boss Paul Cox was hopeful of finalizing a deal for one of three loan targets before AFC's away game at Welling United.

Cox has been busy trying to strengthen his squad - with his efforts focused around the capture of a couple of attacking players a central midfielder.

The former Mansfield Town manager has given up hope of signing all three before tomorrow's League One clash at Park View Road, but was optimistic of completing  a deal for the mystery midfielder.

"Talks are on-going throughout the day and hopefully I'd like to think we will get at least one of them in before tomorrow," he said.

"We might have to wait until after the weekend before we pick up any more players. But I think it's very important that we are patient and don't take players will-nilly.

"We want to take the players we have highlighted and we've got a full week next week to make progress.

"We have to be patient. We've lost out on one or two, but we are looking at bringing quality in. Patience has got to be there because you sometimes get complications with  trying to sign good players.

"Hopefully we can get one in. One is at an advanced stage. I had a good talk with the lad last night (Thursday) and he is talking to his club with a view to coming in straight away.

"There are a couple of others where it will take a little bit longer. The other two boys we are hoping to sign after the weekend are more front-line centre forwards."
Cox is hoping his side can get back to winning ways against lowly Welling, after a frustrating run of results has seen them slip down the table.

He said: "I had a good chat with the boys this week. We analysed the problems we've had. We've had problems with injuries. We've only played two home games and we've had some tough opponents - not just teams who are supposed to be up there but teams who have picked up a bit of form.

"We've got 18 games left so it's about being focused and putting some points on the board.

"We've got to refocus the boys. It would have been very easy to feel sorry for ourselves after the Tranmere game (4-3 home defeat when Barrow led 3-1 after 89 minutes) but it has been fine lines between winning and losing in all the games.

"We've got to turn that tide and start to win these games instead of drawing them or losing them by the odd goal."