TOWN chief Danny Wilson has admitted he is already planning for life without Simon Cox next season, and says his biggest headache will stem from the goals loss incurred should the striker move on.

Other than 32-goal Cox, pictured right, and strike partner Billy Paynter, no Town player scored over five goals during the course of the last campaign, leaving Wilson wondering who he can rely on to put the ball in the net next term.

“I think the biggest problem that we’re going to have is losing 30 goals in the team if Simon Cox did depart,” conceded Wilson, pictured left.

“We have to try and get goals back into the team in areas where maybe it’s left, and certainly other areas where we didn’t contribute as much last season.

“That’s wingers, that’s the midfield players, the centre-backs, whoever it may be, to contribute, because it’s a big, big ask to find 30 goals from somewhere. If Simon does go, it’s going to be difficult.

“That’s where we’ve got to try and address because as we all know, you can have as many clean sheets as you want, but it’s goals that will get you success.”

And Wilson said he was hopeful of getting the right bodies in, that would provide the finishing touch.

“We’ve got to make sure we have players in the team who can try and achieve those goals for us,” said Wilson.

“We’ve got one or two irons in the fire where we think and we hope that we can accommodate the situation if we did lose Simon.”

And while Wilson reiterated that he was more than happy with the performances of 12-goal Billy Paynter in the last campaign, he emphasised that the forward would be under pressure for his first team spot come August.

“Billy’s been the unsung hero all through the season. I think he’s made a massive contribution towards Simon as he’s said himself, over his goal tally and his overall play.

“But also he needs competition as well, and he’s the first to admit that.

“I think all players will thrive on that. I don’t think for one minute that if anybody’s not under any competition for his position, you’ll possibly get the best out of him.

“So I think Billy will be thriving and looking forward to who we bring in to add to that challenge.”

Wilson last week indicated that his next new arrival could come in sometime this week, as his squad building gathers pace.

Hartlepool’s Matty Robson and Stockport’s Michael Rose are among those in the frame.