Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Dowson is hoping former Kingstonian defender Matt Drage can solve his defensive problems at the Beveree.

Drage - and striker Nathaniel Pinney - quit Kingstonian on Tuesday after his side's 2-2 Ryman Premier League draw with Leatherhead on Saturday.

Dowson has already been in touch with the former Tooting & Mitcham United man in a bid to lure him to Station Road after watching his side crash 3-1 to Peacehaven & Telscombe on Tuesday night.

And the ex-Ks boss, who saw on loan centre back Kieran Murphy return to Hemel Hempstead Town this week, is confident he can secure a deal for the versatile defender.

"The deal we had with Kieran was he would be with us for the season unless Hemel had an injury crisis," said Dowson.

"They have 10 men out injured at the moment and he was recalled at 2pm on Tuesday, so we do not know if he'll be coming back. It really caused us problems for the Peacehaven game.

"I've already touched base with Matt [Drage] and he has agreed to come training on Thursday and I am hopeful we can do something.

"He is a great player. I got him from Tooting and he helped Kingstonian to finish second in the table last season. He will make a massive difference for us.

"When you look at the videos we concede the same goals all the time. We are giving them away. They are all from crosses into the box and Matt can help stop that."

Dowson has overhauled his squad since taking charge, but is yet to hit on a formular that brings a consistent run of results.

Some have criticised the number of changes, but the manager has insisted the club’s position in the league – currently five points above the drop zone – has forced his hand.

“When you look at where we were when I took over, I had no choice but to change it,” he added.

“We were definitely heading for relegation.

“We are still struggling and I have to admit if someone offered me a fifth from bottom finish, now I’d absolutely snap their hand off.”

Dowson takes Hampton to struggling Witham Town tomorrow.