Paul Piggott hopes new signing Chris Saunders can help Chatham develop a nasty streak.

The manager of the Ryman League, Division 1 South strugglers feels his team have been too nice.

Central midfielder Saunders has signed from Hythe and made his debut on Monday night in the 3-2 defeat to Sittingbourne.

Piggott said: “He’s a tough tackler and loves to get the ball back. I felt the boys were too nice but he can get around the pitch and he’s hungry.

“You’ve got to have a bit of everything in the team and when you’re down the bottom, more often than not you don’t have the ball. You need players to get the ball back.”

Piggott’s men, who drew 1-1 with Three Bridges last Saturday thanks to Ricky Gundry, extended their winless run to 10 games with the defeat to Bourne – but there were positives.

Recent newcomer Jordan Gallagher, who is back from injury, scored two late goals to make for a tense finish. It was his second appearance for Chats from the bench.

“He is looking sharp and proved it,” said Piggott. “I know what had can do, which is why I signed him but it was unfortunate he got the injury.

“It does take a certain character to come here. I have been speaking to lots of players and it is hard to get them coming to a team struggling at the bottom of the table.

“It would be easy for certain players to plod along and pick their money up elsewhere but people that are coming here have got that hunger and desire.”

Chatham, eight points from safety, are facing a run of tough games, starting with a trip to play-off hopefuls Corinthian Casuals on Saturday.