Terry White says his first job is to strengthen the Hastings squad after taking over as manager.

White stepped up from first team coach after John Maggs was axed last Saturday following the 3-0 loss at Leatherhead.

White’s tenure began on Monday night with a 1-0 loss to Burgess Hill in the Senior Cup when he had two 17-year-olds on the bench and, although centre-back Josh Jirbandey has returned to the club from Lewes, he admits more reinforcements are needed ahead of Faversham’s visit.

He said: “We are reasonably well placed but not as well placed as we would like. We must try to kick on now even though we are a little bit thin on the ground.

“The first part of my job is to try to add some players.

“But now is not a great time to get players in. Players think there are only 13 weeks of the season left and if they change clubs now and it does not work out, you are going to be into the transfer deadline and won’t get another club anyway.

“The work really needed to be done and the squad settled and ready for the charge-in.”

White, who will be assisted by former U’s boss Nigel Kane and possibly Mark Stapley, is still targeting promotion.

He said: “Every team starts each campaign wanting to win the league.

“Some will probably know that it is not likely but we are one of those clubs who want to be there or thereabouts.

“We were for a good portion of the season but we have started to slide a bit now and Peacehaven have gone on a charge.

“Regardless of games in hand, what you need at this stage of the season is points in the bag because they are guaranteed.”