DAVE Webb is still hopeful of strengthening his Swindon Supermarine coaching staff ahead of this weekend’s trip to Taunton Town.

Marine boss Webb has been without an assistant since Lee Spalding’s sudden exit at the end of November.

Former Leeds United manager Dave Hockaday has been helping out at the Webb’s Wood Stadium over the past fortnight but a more permanent solution is being sought.

Webb has contacted one possible candidate about the vacancy and hopes to have the situation resolved as soon as possible.

“I’ve only spoken to one person so far but there is still no decision there,” said Webb.

“At the moment with Dave (Hockaday) here I’ve got great advice and support.

“I’m obviously conscious that Dave probably won’t be here for much longer and I need to try to get someone in who can add what I need and add to the club.

“I’ve got one other person who I may speak to but until I get a definite decision from the other I won’t approach anyone else.

“Hopefully it will be resolved before the weekend but at the moment it’s working fine.

“The performances of the team are good so we’re not in a situation where it’s desperate, but I would like to try to get someone in as a long-term solution.”

New arrival Aaron Oakley is unlikely to make his Marine debut during the trip to Taunton as the defender is still not up to full fitness.

Chris Taylor and Luke Hopper are expected to return to the starting line-up having sat out the 3-0 friendly defeat at home to Swindon Town in midweek.

Webb will continue to assess the rest of his injury concerns before travelling to Wordsworth Drive but has get his sights on another three points following last Saturday’s 1-0 win at home to North Leigh.

“It’s a difficult game against Taunton,” said Webb.

“They are a good side and beat us here earlier in the season, so we will be desperately trying to put in the sort of performance we did against North Leigh.

“We’ll need a real hard work-rate to match them and we’ll try to go there and get a consecutive run of results.

“Aaron Oakley is probably not fit yet. I don’t know how long he’s going to be, maybe another week, maybe two.

“Luke Hopper and Chris Taylor will be okay, they were just rested on Tuesday as a precaution after minor knocks last Saturday.”