KINGSTONIAN manager Alan Dowson has challenged four trialists to prove they are better than his current crop of players.
The Ks boss is more than happy with his small squad of 18, but Dowse is willing to replace up to four of the players who won the Ryman One South title last season if any of the new faces catch his eye when pre-season training starts this Monday.
He explained: "We've actually got seven or maybe eight who will turn up - but I've only got room for four.
"We don't need a squad bigger than 18 - so something has to give. If the new people are better than what we've got, we'll be saying bye-bye to some of ours.
"If the players we've got perform better, then why change for change's sake?"
Dowse wasn't naming names for fear that other clubs will trump him with better bids - but denied he was actively seeking players from fierce rivals Sutton or landlords AFC Wimbledon, as fans' forums have claimed.
He joked: "My missus was even asking who we're getting from them. But unless the chairman has been doing a spot of business - that's news to me."
One player who will be absent is Dean Lodge. The tricky winger has been granted a two-week trial with Grays Athletic, although his Ks boss is certain he'll be back in time for the start of the season.
"Lodgy had a go with Northwich Victoria last season - and that didn't work.
"Don't get me wrong, I hope he gets a deal there, but there's a hell of a difference between breezing it in Ryman One South and making a go of it in the Blue Square Premier."
