Dolby planning squad shake-up

The U’s manager was hoping to bring in one or possibly two new faces to freshen things up ahead of the trip to Billericay Town on Saturday.

There are also likely to be departures as Hastings attempt to end a desperate run of nine league matches without a win which has seen them transformed from potential play-off candidates to possible relegation fodder.

“There will be movement in and out,” said Dolby. “It needs a shake-up anyway regardless of the financial situation (the club recently cut the playing budget). I need to act now with regards to a few changes.”

Dolby watched the FA Youth Cup match between Charlton Athletic and Bury Town on Wednesday night with a view to bringing in at least one talented youngster from the London club’s academy side which ran out convincing 4-0 winners.

He did a similar thing last season and the introduction of gifted midfielder Harry Pell - now with Bristol Rovers - proved a huge success. Dolby said: “We could do with some new faces,” before adding there could be another new arrival depending on how things pan out.

Hastings’ playing resources should also be boosted this weekend by the long awaited return from injury of main striker Ade Olorunda after an absence of 10 games.

The full article will appear in tomorrow’s Hastings Observer.