Lovell presents case for the defence

The Hastings manager, who admitted defensive deficiencies had undermined his team's start to the season, has been busy over the past few days trying to hammer out the deal.

"I'm hopeful of getting a new central defender for Saturday," confirmed Lovell. "He will bring a bit of steel to the team. He's not been around that long but he's played a lot of good football and he's had a good upbringing. He's a good talker and he's left footed which is a bonus."

If the signing does come off it will enable Lovell to field a 3-4-1-2 formation that he has been itching to adopt ever since he took over at the Pilot Field in the summer, but lack of personnel and a spate of injuries has meant he has always had to make do. "If I can play a left sided central defender who can play and defend it makes me a lot happier," he said.

The visit of Dartford on Saturday September 20 will provide the first action for Hastings since the 5-0 defeat at Bashley two weeks ago. An early exit from the FA Cup meant they did not have a game last weekend.

Hastings are back at the Pilot Field on Tuesday for the visit of Chatham Town.

The following weekend's match at Fleet Town has been postponed as they are still involved in the FA Cup.