Kevan Broadhurst is going flat out in trying to boost our striking options in time for the next game, on Sunday. He has confirmed the story that was circulating last week that he had a player in mind, but they were injured and the club concerned would be getting back to him this week.

“I’d like to have somebody in by the Swansea game,” he said. “I’ve got a player in mind who was injured last week but should be fit by the middle of this week.

Clubs are very reluctant to let strikers go so it’s very difficult to sign one at this stage of the season. There are lots of hurdles in the way.

Last week I inquired about a player in our division and was told ‘nothing doing’. Then he joins another club further up the table! It’s tough - but our goals-for tally speaks for itself so it’s something we’ve got to address.”

This, presumably, refers to Aaron Wilbraham, who joined Bradford City last week on loan as cover.

Broadhurst did take in a game on Saturday, presumably looking at options, as did Halsall and McManus. Broadhurst himself was at the East Midlands clash between Notts County and Mansfield.

Ex Saddler Steve Corica and Dwight Yorke’s Sydney FC were crowned the first A-League champions after beating the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the final on Sunday.

Playing in front of a capacity crowd at the Sydney Football Stadium, both sides were deadlocked at half-time but a goal from Corica in the 61st minute clinched victory for Sydney.

Corica’s strike followed some outstanding work from Dwight Yorke, who showed the benefit of his experience by slowing down the play close to the penalty area so as to commit two defenders and wait for his support. He then dribbled the ball into the path of the running Corica, who released a shot on goal that went to the right of Central Coast goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

Following Corica’s goal, the Mariners tried in vain to produce an equaliser to push the grand final into extra time, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

Yorke, who had recovered from a lacklustre first half to set up Corica for his goal, had his efforts rewarded when he was named as winner of the Joe Marston Medal for the Man of the Match.

Corica had one shot go wide and another saved by Vukovic in the second half and always presented a threat.