Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan has pledged to do whatever it takes to strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens in July.
Harps take on Limerick this evening in Ballybofey with the aim of recording back-to-back victories for the first time this season but, regardless of the outcome, Horgan admits he needs some new faces at the club.
Aside from the fact that he has a number of players out through long-term injury, he has also to contend with the imminent retirement of midfielder Michael Funston, while uncertainty surrounds the future of striker Ciaran O'Connor, who is on loan from Dundalk.
“We haven’t anyone lined up yet but we will do all that we can,” said Horgan.
The Donegal club ended a run of five successive defeats on Monday when they saw off St Patrick's Athletic 3-1, a win that lifted htem off the foot of the table for 24 hours.
However, the ferocity of the battle to avoid the drop was illustrated by the fact that Drogheda United moved up from 12th to eighth on Tuesday after picking up a point in their 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers.
Just two points separate the bottom six clubs and by close of play this weekend Harps could find themselves anywhere from bottom to seventh.
The news that Funston is calling it a day came as a surprise to many. The 32-year-old Letterkenny man, who joined Harps in 2004, announced on social media that he won’t be returning to the club following the summer break.
Funston may no longer be an automatic fixture on Horgan's teamsheet, but he has played a key role for Harps this season.
The Letterkenny man had indicated that he would retire at the end of last season, but Horgan persuaded him to stay on and “help dig Harps out” in the battle to survive in the top division.
Funston has started four league games this terms and come on as a substitute in another six and his departure will be keenly felt after over 300 games for the club.
Disclosing his plans to call halt to his senior career, Funston stated: “I would just like to take this opportunity and let people know that Friday night will be my last home game."
Tonight's visitors to Finn Park will arrive with a spring in their step as new manager Neil McDonald's first game in charge saw Limerick beat Bohemians 2-1 at Dalymount Park on Tuesday.
McDonald spent time at Newcastle United and Everton as a player, making over 300 appearances combined, and has managed Carlisle United and Blackpool as well as serving as assistant manager at West Ham under former Limerick boss Sam Allardyce.
He is determined to make an impact with the Shannonsiders, and three points are the target against Harps.
“I’m very, very impressed with what the club is trying to do and how it’s trying to progress," he said.
"I’m sure it’s one of the clubs in Ireland that is on the up. I would like to be part of that to push it on to a new level – that’s why I’ve come. I’ve committed myself to the club on a long-term project."
Harps will welcome O'Connor back from suspension this wvening and he will partner Danny Morrissey up front.
Limerick will look to Nigerian-born winger Chiedozie Ogbene and Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi to unlock the Harps defence.
