Ray targets ex-Millwall trio

Westfield pair Lewis Parsons and Liam Miles keep a close eye on Hastings United striker Bailo Camara. Picture by Simon Newstead

Ray is keen to add a right-back, left-back and a central midfielder to his ranks before United’s friendly at home to Thamesmead Town on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

The United boss is also still looking at options up-front. Rob Kimber, formerly of Tonbridge Angels, is currently injured and will not feature this weekend. United will also entertain nearby Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.

Ray has also insisted his side will be 100 per cent ready for the new campaign when it kicks-off on August 10 away to Chipstead. He acknowledged that sections of the support were concerned after early pre-season defeats to a Brighton & Hove Albion XI and then Westfield, but the boss isn’t worried by the scorelines.

“We fielded a mix of young players and those returning from injuries to give them minutes on the pitch to show us what they can do,” Ray said. “Our fitness was good and there were many positives; such as Sam Cruttwell. He’s 16 but played with maturity and attitude beyond his years.”

Ray stated “pre-season starts now”, with his side starting ball-work training for the first time this week. “We’re stepping things up now,” Ray continued. “We’ve still got three or four players to come in and everyone will be ready to go on that first weekend; I have no concerns about that.”