Hard work starts now warns Ray

Ray, pictured, has only been in the managerial hot-seat for a little over five weeks and after an encouraging start of four wins out of six, Hastings have slipped to disappointing defeats away to Metropolitan Police in the Ryman Premier and Crawley Down in the Sussex Senior Cup.

Ray, who played the full 90 minutes on his return from injury in midweek, was far from happy with either performance and is now looking to bring in a couple of new faces and “letting one or two go”.

“This is where the hard work starts. I just want a little bit more from the players,” he said the morning after the 3-1 reverse to lower league Crawley Down. “You see the hunger in players’ eyes and two or three haven’t got it. It’s alright when they are on the ball but that desire and passion comes when you haven’t got the ball.”

He went on: “I will be looking to change the squad a little bit more. We need a little bit more quality in certain areas because one or two players are not quite up to it.

“It’s going to take time but I’m talking to two (players) this week and I’m hoping I will be able to get one in for Tuesday (when Hastings make the long trip to Leiston in the fourth round of the Ryman League Cup).”

Hastings are without a league fixture today (Saturday) as scheduled opponents Lowestoft Town are still involved in the FA Trophy.

TODAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (3PM UNLESS STATED)

Sussex County League, Division 1: Rye Utd v Shoreham; Sidley Utd v Hassocks.

Division 2: Little Common v Southwick 1.45; Loxwood v Westfield; Oakwood v Bexhill Utd.