MARK Patterson is on the brink of boosting his squad with the signing of Lee Clitheroe from Southport.

The new Chorley manager is hoping to secure the signature of the right-sided player in time for tomorrow's game at Lincoln United, his second in charge of the Magpies.

"I'm hoping he'll sign and play on Saturday, he'll be a good addition to the squad," said Patterson.

"He is a good player who has played at a decent level and will make us stronger down the flanks defensively, which is what we need.

"I'm going to strengthen more but it's not going to happen overnight. A lot of players have left but the nucleus of the squad have decided to stay and give it a go."

Darren Emmett, Lee Wilkinson and Lee Southwood are the latest departures since the sacking of Mark Molyneaux last month, but Patterson still has a squad of 18 to choose from for the trip to Lincoln.

Billy McCartney should be back in the centre of defence after recovering from a broken foot but Patterson is searching for more defensive cover.

Meanwhile, the game at Lincoln represents a chance of swift revenge for the Magpies, whose demoralised troops slumped to a 3-2 home defeat in the first game after Molyneaux's departure.

Patterson said: "It was only a few weeks ago and will have stuck in the memories of the players so they'll be looking to go there to put the record straight.

"It's a great opportunity for them to show me that they are good enough for the club so I'm sure they will be more optimistic and have a different outlook than last time they played Lincoln."

Patterson is so far impressed with Jamie Vermiglio, who scored his first goal for the club last weekend, and Chris Patterson, but has admitted that the players need to improve their fitness.

And the former Leigh RMI boss is already laying down the law at his new club, who he led to a 2-1 victory over Kidsgrove, their first since September, in his first game in charge last Saturday.

"The players will know what the rules are," said Patterson. "There will be no grey areas because I'm putting them down in black and white.

"It's easier for them if they know exactly what the rules are going to be. They are representing Chorley Football Club and that comes before any player."