PAUL Moore has told Northwich Victoria supporters they can expect more changes to his team following the departure of goalkeeper Richie Mottram earlier this week.

The custodian returned on Monday to former club Widnes, who he helped to promotion from the North West Counties League’s second tier last season, after Vics agreed to release him.

“I won’t stop guys going if they’d rather not stay,” said Moore.

“Widnes made Richie an offer, and he decided to accept.

“I wanted to keep him – any manager would because of his quality – but he’d made up his mind.”

He told the Guardian that there would be more comings and goings in the weeks ahead as he tries to build a side capable of challenging the Premier Division’s strongest clubs.

Vics’ place in the competition was only confirmed in the middle of June, something he says left the club with less time to recruit.

Wide man Stuart McDonald has also left in the past fortnight, although his departure was to create a vacancy that could be filled by Antony Shinks.

The ex-Runcorn Town defender made his debut in a draw with Burscough last Saturday.

Moore said: “We have to balance the books, and to make room for Anthony somebody had to go.

“I think we’ve enough cover in wide positions, and we really needed to strengthen at the back.

“There will be other changes; this squad was put together at short notice in the summer, and it was always my intention to keep things evolving after the season started.”

James Longdin, who helped Failsworth Amateurs to win the Lancashire Amateur League’s Premier Division title last season, has arrived to replace Mottram.

Moore is also waiting on international clearance to complete two other signings – a midfielder and a central defender.

He turns his attention next to an FA Vase first qualifying round encounter with Stockport Town tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

And the Vics boss was in the stand on Monday when the Tigers went down 1-0 at home to Alsager in a North West Counties League Division One fixture.

It leaves them 12th in the table.

Their starting line-up included five players – Dylan Forth, Dave Short, Dahrius Waldon, Ashley Stott and Jamie Hinchliffe – that have played for Vics previously.

Two more, midfielder Matty Clarke and wide man Tyler Edwards, came on as substitutes.

Moore said: “It probably does help that they have so many lads that we already know.

“I’m aware of their flaws as well as what they’re good at.”