HASNEY Aljofree believes the lack of new faces this afternoon should not dampen fans' enthusiasm for the home clash with Crewe - insisting the old guard are more than worth the entrance fee alone.

Like all Town fans, Aljofree was glued to Teletext and Sky Sports News waiting for news on Paul Sturrock's hunt for new blood but was confident even no activity would not necessarily have spelt disaster.

As it was MK Dons midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern, Reading striker Simon Cox and Southend frontman Billy Paynter signed just hours before the deadline but, too late in the day for today's clash, it is as you were for Town again today.

The Town skipper accepts more numbers were needed if a promotion push is a realistic aim but, with the loan window still open, he insists there was still time to make those tweaks needed.

Aljofree is adamant even if a new face had arrived in time for this afternoon's League One clash they would have had to wait their turn, citing Towns unbeaten start as reason for confidence.

He said: "Even if someone had been signed in time to play against Crewe then I think any of us would be gutted if we had been dropped to make room for the new guy.'' "I am not the manager but I would think any new signing would have to be patient and wait his turn. After all we have made a good start to the season and the players already here deserve the credit for that.

"I am sure if there had been a lot of signings then the fans would have been really excited about the Crewe game and would have turned out in their numbers.

"But hopefully we can attract those extra fans anyway. The support was great against Luton and if we can get results on the pitch it will make people look up and take notice and attract extra people."

Aljofree's partnership with Jerel Ifil at the heart of Town's defence, together with the energy of the likes of Craig Easton in midfield, has led many to label the Wiltshire outfit a well organised solid outfit.

There is no denying that fact, but as far as Aljofree is concerned they have more to them than people are giving credit for.

He said: "Everyone is talking about us being an organised side and I would hope we are.

"But we feel we can turn it on as well and believe we have players who can win us games.

"It is more a case of the squad needs strengthening rather than the team needing drastic changes. We have a long, hard season ahead of us and of course you pick up injuries, suspensions.

"We need more numbers to cover for all of us but the way we have started the more we believe in the players we have to carry on our good start against Crewe."

While Crewe are expected to be languishing towards the relegation zone this season, Aljofree insists, with veteran Dario Gradi sill involved, they are capable of springing a few surprises.

He said: "Fair play to Dario Gradi. He has never changed his principles and has always had Crewe playing good football on the floor.

"Sometimes that may be to their disadvantage, sometimes it would be to the disadvantage of their opponents, but it ensures Crewe are always a good team to watch.

"We can expect a good game today with both sides trying to play football. We will not be taking them lightly and hopefully we can get that second win of the season."