Having landed himself a new number one, Swindon Town boss Danny Wilson appears to have snapped up a number two on the same day, as the County Ground rebuilding exercise gathered steam yesterday.

However, with goalkeeper David Lucas definitely on board, Swindon are refusing to confirm reports that Peter Shirtliff has left his role at Tranmere Rovers to become Wilson’s new assistant manager.

It is understood a deal for the 48-year-old is close to being completed and should be finalised within the next 48 hours, but the club are still sorting out the future of Dave Byrne, who was Wilson’s right hand man last term and is expected to take up a new role overseeing youth and player development.

As Tranmere’s official club website announced Shirtliff was joining Town, Wilson refused to comment on the situation, a matter of minutes after saying: “We are trying and still working on (getting new coaches in).

“I’m confident that by the time the pre-season gets underway that we will have people in place.

“There’s people I have worked with before that I would like to bring in. I don’t know if that will be possible and if it’s not then there’s one or two areas where people’s reputation will go before them, and my knowledge of them might take precedence.”

Keeper Lucas finally completed his switch to the County Ground yesterday, signing a two-year-deal, and manager Wilson immediately put his faith in the former Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday man to be the club’s first choice stopper.

“David is going to be a terrific signing for us,” said Wilson.

“What he brings to the club is experience, he’s a terrific talker, a leader, and I think he will help the team greatly.

“I’ve always had an interest in David and have tried three or four times to get him at numerous clubs I’ve been at, because I’ve rated him very highly.

“When someone of his quality becomes available you have to move quickly, and thankfully we’ve got him here.

“There’s a challenge that lies in front of him (to fight for the number one spot).

“I think at this moment in time you’ve got to say David’s got more experience than Phil and he’s played at a higher level than Phil, so you would expect him to be number one.

“But we’ve seen Phil come back before and it will be a good fight.”