Ref. 26048-06ANDY King has drawn a line under the Tommy Mooney era and turned his attention to strengthening his Town squad for the new league campaign.

The boss knows the loss of such a popular player is bound to cause discussion among supporters, but as far as he is concerned the issue is wrapped up.

And King, who will lead his players back into pre-season training next week, is warning that the final make-up of his squad may not be known for some time as he continues his hunt for new faces.

"All I can do as a manager is get on with it. That's what I have to do all the time,'' King said.

"Because of the impact Tommy Mooney had, he comes to the fore for other people.

"But for me, every player is the same. Every player is important to me and I care about them.''

He added: "Things change. Everyone moves on and becomes a part of the history of the club.

"I'm one of his (Mooney's) biggest fans and I thought he was fantastic from the start of the season until Christmas.

"I took great pleasure in watching him as a manager, even in the second part of the season when I didn't think he was so fantastic, which I told him honestly.

"He had an impact at this football club. But things couldn't be agreed and he has moved on.''

King revealed that Mooney's future was still up in the air late on until the fateful announcement on Monday.

"There was a period of sway there,'' he added. "I just didn't want to sway it on a personal level. It was a football decision.

"Tommy is a man of strong principles and he decided to go with his first thought.''

The funds released by Mooney's exit are available to King for squad strengthening, but the manager insists he is back where he started as far as fresh recruits go.

"I have the funds available, but I've got to spend that wisely,'' he insisted.

"If that means a left winger, a goalkeeper, a centre forward or a midfield player being available at the right amount, I will choose the best player. I won't look at positions.

"What I'm not able to do is take the wrong person in and fill the squad up with someone who is not useful. It's got to be someone who will improve the squad.

"I want the best players I can have for those funds because the only way to improve on last year is to improve on the squad.

"But until I've spent this money wisely, I'm not going to get excited.''

The manager's options could yet open up as Premiership managers begin to return to their clubs, while season-long loan signings are another avenue.

But those expecting a direct replacement for Mooney may find themselves disappointed.

"If there is a striker out there to replace Mooney, then good. But I don't think there is one,'' remarked King.

"I have two top strikers in Fallon and Parkin and I hope Lloyd Opara is going to come through and prove himself.

"(Brian) Howard can also play up front. People forget that he nearly went to Chelsea as a striker.

"It is difficult to get a replacement, but that's what people said about Danny Invincible.

"I'd love to have things in place by Monday, but it is not that simple.

"There isn't an answer at the moment.''

One player to sign his new contract yesterday was midfielder Steve Robinson, who put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

And teenage defender Leigh Mills looks likely to complete his switch to Premiership Tottenham shortly.

King added: "The Leigh Mills situation I hope is coming to an end. I think he's a smashing lad and his happiness is important to me.

"For both parties, as long as the finances are correct, let's finalise it and move on.''