GRAVESEND boss Andy Ford is planning to step up his efforts to bring new faces into the squad.

The Fleet are keen to bolster their numbers after injuries left them stretched before last weekend’s home defeat with Carlisle.

Ford admitted he failed in attempts to sign eight different players before that game, a list that included a renewed interest in Hornchurch defender Paul McCarthy, whom he had previously targeted in the close season.

The demise of Hornchurch means several high-profile players are available but the Fleet may struggle to match their wages.

“I met with three Hornchurch players last week, including McCarthy,” confirmed Ford. “Grays have already signed four players from them but I think Hornchurch are now going to keep their registrations until next Monday.

“I’ve also tried for four players on loan and I thought I was there with one last Friday but it didn’t happen for us. Sometimes they drop quite quickly but I know the areas we need to strengthen, even when we were on a good run I was out looking at players.”

Ford took advantage of his full-time status to watch five games in three days last week and was at two matches on Tuesday in the search for new faces. He hinted after the defeat to Carlisle that he is looking to bring in defenders, especially with Lee Shearer out on loan at Dover.

He said: “There are areas we need to improve. We got asked some questions by Carlisle and we couldn’t answer them. I know the areas where we’ve got to improve and I’ve got to go out and do it.

"Those areas had red beacons on and we were exposed. We were short at centre-back. Chris Moore played with a blown-up ankle and Jay Saunders did a great job filling in but that’s not his best position.”

Without a league or FA Cup fixture this weekend, Ford will take a full-strength team to Carshalton for a friendly match.

Skipper Steve McKimm is yet to return to training after picking up an injury against Hornchurch and Charlie Mitten (thigh) is also ruled out but Manny Omoyinmi (hamstring) should play some part.