Lowestoft Town boss Dale Brooks admits time is of the essence if the Blues aren't going to be left playing catch up next season.

With just Rory McAuley and Travis Cole as the only players contracted to the Trawlerboys, Brooks is keen to sort out his own future before looking to build a squad capable of competing in the Bostik Premier Division next season.

Work is going on behind the scenes by the board to plot a way forward from the club's financial difficulties but Brooks wants some clarity on what the plans are so Lowestoft don't get left behind in the search for players this summer.

'Let's be honest, we are way behind,' said Brooks, who masterminded Lowestoft's battle for survival. 'In normal circumstances you would be speaking to players about extending their contracts, or players about coming here in the first place.

'We've got to wait and see who wants to play for Lowestoft Town next season.

'It's going to be a rebuilding process – Lowestoft are not the Lowestoft of old. The club isn't as appealing to players at the moment and other clubs in the area have overtaken Lowestoft. We can't rebuild just on the history of the club.

'If we aren't quick then it could leave us in a precarious position in terms of recruitment.

'The loan market should only be used to back up what you have as a squad already.'

Brooks admits there are still doubts around his future at the Amber Dew Events Stadium but insisted he would like to stay in the right circumstances.

'I've requested a meeting with the board to see how things are moving forward,' he said. 'We just need to sit down and see what kind of model we are going to use and if it involves me.

'If the circumstances are right I would like to stay but it has to be better and more professionally run. I say that with respect to the people that are currently at the club.

'They need to get everything in order and what we are going to measure success against.

'Competing for titles and promotions etc might be a few years down the line but success can also be operating within your means and competing at the level that you're used to.'