Carey : We're looking to build . . . not sell our stars.

Byline: By MARK CURRIE Chief Sports Writer 

WREXHA Mmanager Brian Carey yesterday revealed that he has not received any inquiries from other clubs about his players as the majority of his squad reported back for the start of pre-season training.

The earlier than usual returnmeant that six players - Lee McEvilly, Levi Mackin, Matty Done, Josh Johnson, Richard Hope and Juan Ugarte - were missing from a half-day session that was, out of necessity, curtailed by the torrential rain.

But the boss insisted that nothing should be read into the fact that members of his squad were absent, saying he was not at all concerned.

"The fact that six of the lads aren't here doesn't bother me at all," he said.

"With what was happening here towards the end of last season, we could not really plan ahead as much as we otherwise would.

"Some of the players made their holiday arrangements, so it's not a problem because they will all be back in Monday morning when we begin in earnest.

"As far as the others are concerned we've brought them in today to see where everyone is in terms of fitness and they will be working on Wednesday and Friday as well.

"The three days give us a chance to do some testing and put in some spade work and it's fair to say that they all look in decent condition."

Carey, who is hoping to further strengthen his squad in the coming weeks, said he was aware of transfer rumours concerning some of his own players and admitted he would give consideration to any offers.

But he added: "There have been no concrete moves in my direction and if there were the players concerned would be the first to know.

"(Previous manager) Denis Smith was always open and honest with players if clubs had been in touch and if we do have any inquiries we will employ the same policy.

"In terms of bringing in people we are still looking at a couple of things, but we don't want to dive into the market for the sake of it.

"We have been pleased with what we have achieved so far and there is still plenty of time before the season gets under way.

"Things began to pick up again towards the end of last week and that could accelerate in the next few days when players areout of contract at the end of the month and become a bit more anxious about getting themselves fixed up."

Dragons defender Shaun Pejic last week became the ninth and final member of last season's squad to accept the new deal he was offered, while Carey has also brought in Hope, Anthony Williams, Michael Proctor, Eifion Williams and Conall Murtagh.

And the Dragons boss is upbeat about prospects for the new campaign.

"It's a big plus for us that everyone wants to stay at the club and it's a statement of intent from those lads, all of who could have walked away," he said.

"I'malso pleased with the character of the players we have brought in. The next step is to blend everyone together.

"I have been anxious to get back for a while now. Last season was very difficult for the lads for a number of reasons, but we established some good form through April and May.

"What we need to do nowis to recreate that with out the fear of dropping out of the league.

With the numbers we have available, we can keep everyone on their toes and go for it."

CAPTION(S):

Boss Brian Carey; Wrexham striker Lee McEvilly won't be leaving the Dragons