Danny Lye is targeting two more signings ahead of Ashford United’s Bostik South kick-off on Saturday week.

The move into the transfer market is needed with three players struggling to be ready for the opening day home game against Carshalton Athletic.

Vice-captain Pat Kingwell is being monitored after being diagnosed with a heart murmur, fellow defender Frazer Walker is sidelined with a knee injury, while midfielder Dan Stubbs is nursing hamstring and knee problems.

The United boss said: “Pat has been checked out for the last 10 days, while we hope Danny’s problem is not a recurrence of his previous knee injury (which needed reconstructive surgery).”

Lye wants to be bring in another centre-half and midfielder and hopes to complete the moves by early next week.

He said: “We need extra cover and know who we want and I would like to get both in by Monday night at the latest. I have got a couple of centre-halves in mind and have to see what happens over the weekend.”

With Kingwell and Walker both doubtful, Lye has already added experienced Jon Difford to his squad.

Difford has been training with United in pre-season, having played at Chatham last season.

Lye said: “Jon has probably got more minutes since coming in with us due to the injuries.
“I know him well and what he can do - he is a real Steady Eddie kind of player.”

United have no game this weekend, before hosting Kent County League neighbours Kennington, managed by former player Dan Scorer in their final pre-season friendly on Tuesday night (7.45pm). Admission is free.