United boss still on the hunt

Hastings United manager Terry White remains hopeful of making further additions before the transfer deadline on Monday.
Hastings United celebrate scoring in their 3-2 defeat away to Eastbourne Town last weekend. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanHastings United celebrate scoring in their 3-2 defeat away to Eastbourne Town last weekend. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Hastings United celebrate scoring in their 3-2 defeat away to Eastbourne Town last weekend. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

But he admits adding to the squad is a difficult job with clubs reluctant to let players go at this late stage in the football season.

He said: “I’ve tried every single contact available to me, but it’s the same message from everybody - ‘we need them at the moment’. And players not with clubs at the moment generally aren’t good enough.

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“Hopefully I might be able to get a couple in, but if I don’t I will go in with what I’ve got. I thought I was going to get one, but he’s got back in the first team at his Conference South club.”

With Josh Jirbandey set to return to the United States next week, White acknowledges that a centre-half is a priority.

He continued: “Tim (Olorunda) and Judgey (Ben Judge) did really well on Tuesday (in the 1-1 draw away to Whitstable Town), but obviously if one of those two picks up an injury - which looks ever more possible - we’re a bit short.

“If my services are retained next year I shall look for players who have the right temperament, right character and for whom it’s an honour to play for this football club.”

One new player, midfielder Tristan Toney, has come off the bench in the last two games and another, goalkeeper Greg Nessling, was an unused substitute on Tuesday.