Steven Pressley admits Carlisle United are facing “a lot of hard work” in order to rebuild their squad.
The Blues have so far landed three signings but seen a host of players leave Brunton Park.
Manager Pressley and director of football David Holdsworth are continuing to meet targets this week with a view to increasing United’s numbers.
No deal is thought to be imminent at the moment but Pressley has conceded it needs to be a very active spell.
“It’s going to be a very busy period for us because we are going to have to recruit a lot of players, and it’s going to be a lot of hard work over the period of time we have,” he said.
“We have a lot of hard work ahead and I think, for our supporters, a lot of excitement ahead. We are certainly looking forward to that.”
While United’s three signings to date have all been in defence, their rearguard numbers were depleted again this week with Tom Parkes’ move to Exeter.
With an exodus in other positions, the summer recruitment drive needs to be wide-ranging.
Pressley plans to use of the loan market again with United likely to keep tabs on former loanees, such as Regan Slater, as well as new targets.
Temporary deals, though, are likely to require patience, with the stronger immediate focus on permanent moves for players at this stage of the close-season.
Pressley said the availability of recent additions Jack Iredale, Christie Elliott and Jon Mellish was a boost at an early point in the summer. He said he will consider a range of options for positions further forward.
“The availability of the defenders at this moment in time in terms of being able to sign them on a contractual basis is easier,” he said.
“The loan deals we will look at are in the mid to front areas of the pitch.
“I very much think that you need that experience and know-how of some kind of league football in those areas. That’s been the case.
“It’s also how it’s just worked out with regards to being able to move on with certain targets that we had and them agreeing to it very early.“
United’s hoped-for business also includes a race with Swindon for Rotherham’s Jerry Yates.
There is no sign of movement yet, meanwhile, in their contract offers to Jamie Devitt, Stefan Scougall and Mike Jones.
United, meanwhile, have confirmed their new kit, made by Errea, will be launched in Carlisle city centre on the weekend of June 22-23. The club also say replica kit has arrived – a welcome change from last season when their Umbro kit was not available until after the season had started.