By ADAM LAZZARI IT S been a frantic few days at Wisbech Town Football Club. The club have re-signed last season s player of the year Paul Cousins, received bids for two key players and been preparing for their first match at Outwell, tomorrow, and their f

By ADAM LAZZARI

IT'S been a frantic few days at Wisbech Town Football Club.

The club have re-signed last season's player of the year Paul Cousins, received bids for two key players and been preparing for their first match at Outwell, tomorrow, and their first competitive local derby with arch rivals March Town United in four years, on Tuesday.

Soham Town Rangers manager and ex-Wisbech boss Ian Benjamin is trying to continue his favourite pastime of poaching the Fenmen's best talent.

He has put a seven-day notice of approach for star striker Billy Smith.

A move up to the BGB Southern League Division One (Midlands) would tempt many players away but Wisbech boss Steve Taylor believes he can keep hold of the 22-year-old.

He said: "Billy's enjoying his football here and there's a good atmosphere in the dressing room.

"He's young and still learning the game and he'll have plenty of opportunities to go on and play at a higher level. He's an important player for us I'll do everything I can to persuade him to stay."

The Hares have made an audacious bid to sign Wisbech captain Lee Day.

March boss Brett Whaley believes the signing of Cousins may force centre-back Day out of the team and the player was an unused substitute when Wisbech beat Haverhill away 3-0 in the Ridgeons Premier Division on Tuesday night.

Taylor said: "Lee was unhappy about being on the bench and he made his feelings clear to me. But I told him he wasn't dropped he was rested. He's a quality defender who I want to keep hold of but he has to realise I'm trying to create a strong squad and everyone has to fight for their shirt."

Cousins left the Fenmen at the start of the season and rejoined on Monday after a spell with Ridgeons Premier Division rivals Dereham and played in Tuesday's win.

The Norfolk outfit responded by putting in an approach for Wisbech centre-back Anthony Reeve.

Taylor said: "I desperately want to keep hold of Anthony, but I've heard Dereham may be able to offer him a £1,000 signing on fee and £75 a match and it's hard for us to compete with that."

Wisbech beat Walsham-le-Willows 4-2 away in the FA Vase on Saturday.

They play their first home match at their new Outwell ground tomorrow against CRC and then March Town United away in the Ridgeons League Cup on Tuesday.

Taylor said: "Our away form has been fantastic and we've picked up another two away victories in the last week.

"I'm hoping our home games at Outwell will now be like away games for us.