Wrexham boss Denis Smith would like to begin next season in League Two with a squad of 20 senior players, which would be one more than he had at the beginning of last season.
Smith believes that figure the absolute bare minimum he needs, especially with the introduction of the transfer windows to the Football League from August, meaning Smith cannot just go out and sign someone on-loan if needed.
"To do the job properly I think 24, including youngsters like Simon Spender and Levi Mackin, would be the right number," he said on Monday. "But I'd settle for 20, which would be very nice."
Smith, has only eight members of the current squad under contract, with non-contracted players available to leave the club from May 21, and he will be meeting administrator David Acland today to discuss the possible situations before drawing up a ‘wish list’.
Two players Smith will be keen to retain are winger Carlos Edwards and defender Steve Roberts, who again, have both been impressive this season, however, are free agents in less than two weeks and could leave the club for nothing.
Smith conceded: "I need to talk to the players as soon as possible to find out what their plans are.
"It's very much down to them but if players are leaving I need to know sooner rather than later.
"I would imagine some of them are already being pestered by other clubs and they will be talking to their agents, so there will be a lot going on. I can't think my budget will be any lower than it was this year so it's going to be tight, but I need to find out what players I've got and where we need to strengthen."
The Dragons boss will not look too kindly upon bids for his contracted eight players but stressed he would not let anyone go on the cheap.
"I've got enough problems at the moment, without selling players," he said.
Smith revealed he has already scouted potential additions to the squad with goalkeeper Ben Foster – signed on-loan from
"There's an option for six-month or 12-month loans but they have to be tied up in August," he said. "I've got irons in the fire with regard to players I'm interested in, but it will all come down to cost. "It might cost me more to take a reserve from a Premiership club for six months than to sign someone for the year."