INSPIRATION rather than administration was the focus for Andy King today as he prepared to put more than 30 trialists through their paces at the County Ground.

The Town boss welcomed players from Premiership and First Division clubs, France, Italy and Holland, in the hope of unearthing a gem.

But rather than looking for 'potential' King will only consider signing the finished article.

He said: "If I am going to take on one of these lads, then they have to be ready to play first team football.

"I do not have the luxury of taking on half a dozen kids who may or may not make it in the Second Division.

"Anyone I sign has to be ready to step in from day one and have a good chance of succeeding, although there are no guarantees.

"Everyone wants success right now. The big clubs can afford to take a chance on a player. I can't.

"Alex Ferguson had three or four years to get it right at Manchester United. I know that will not happen here."

The manager is happy with the response to his trial match initiative. He just hopes some of those attending will fit the bill.

Spotting the players you want is one thing, getting them to sign on the dotted line is quite another.

King said: "What people have to understand is that some of those being released by Premiership clubs, most of whom have never played a first team game, are on wages which this football club simply cannot afford. I remember having Damien Lynch down from Leeds United last year on trial.

"Even if I had wanted to take him on, there was no way we could get near the wages he was on at Leeds."

Should King spot a player who fitted the bill, a decision to sign him would be made 'there and then'. But anyone expecting more than £1,000 a week would have to look elsewhere.

He said: "I have a budget to work to. When will people realise that players are not and will not earn a fortune at this football club for the forseeable future.

"Yes, £1,000 a week works out as a decent wage in most people's eyes but I can assure you there are some individuals here earning no more than an 'average wage' or possibly less.

"I hope that puts some people in the picture."

The ideal scenario for King would be to net four or five players on pre-contractual agreements (due to the current transfer embargo) over the next couple of days.

He said: "Clearly I want to find that goalscorer we are lacking. You are looking for someone to net 15 or 20 goals for you. You are not going to make an impression at the top if three strikers have 15 or so goals between them."

But before he could think about players for next season, King's first task this morning was to inform his current squad about the plans to put the club back into administration.

He said: "Bob Holt has promised me that he will sit down with the lads when he returns from abroad but in the meantime I'll have to try and speak to them about the situation as best I can."

Town's reserves have a busy week. They travelled to Gillingham today (2pm) with Portsmouth due at the County Ground on Wednesday.