JIM GOODWIN believes a "15 goal a season" striker can help lift his Wasps to the next level as he begins preparations for another year in the Championship.

The Wee County side secured their place in the second tier with a dramatic draw on the final day with Ayr United as they leapfrogged Queen of the South to finish eighth.

Goodwin has wasted little time in moving on from the historic achievement and has already begun to put in place his preparations for next year by offering contracts to 13 of his existing squad.

But, speaking to Advertiser Sport, the Irishman revealed he was keen to add more firepower to his Wasps and take the pressure off top-scorer Alan Trouten next season.

The former Albion Rovers man hit 19 goals in a prolific term, but was the only player to reach double figures. Both Iain Flannigan and the now-departed Dario Zanatta netted eight times each.

Goodwin said: "We need a proven goalscorer to take us to the next level.

"We want to bring somebody in who is going to guarantee us at least 15 goals next season to take the brunt off guys like Trouts.

"You need your strikers to be willing to lead the line and help us."

One man who could be on Alloa's radar is Edinburgh City striker Blair Henderson, who hit 38 goals last term including a strike against Alloa in the Irn-Bru Cup.

But, Goodwin was keeping his cards close to his chest and admits he has already drawn up a list of targets with Lee Sharpe and Paddy Connolly.

He added: "We want to bring in a talisman who is able to help us win games all on his own.

"We have offered 13 of our boys new deals and we hope to meet with them this week to put pen to paper and sort everything out."

Two players who won't be back at the Recs next season are Bulgarian Zack Karadachki and youngster Reis Peggie.

Both signed for the club last summer, but only made sixteen appearances between them, with Karadachki's last outing coming in a 2-2 draw with Inverness in August when he was sent off.

Advertiser Sport understands Goodwin is set to have talks with Ahmed Aloulou, who is currently on-loan at Berwick Rangers, about his future early next week.

Meanwhile, Goodwin confirmed he has already secured five pre-season friendlies in preparation for next season.

The Wasps will kick off the season with a closed door game against Celtic Reserves on Tuesday, June 25, before welcoming League Two Albion Rovers to the Recs on Saturday, June 29.