Carshalton Athletic manager Dave Garland has hit the panic button after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Staines Town left them without a league win in more than a month.

The Robins boss pulled in his players for an emergency Sunday morning training session, during which he stripped centre-back Dave Graves of the captaincy and held clear-the-air talks with his players.

Garland's main concern is a lack of team spirit, which he hopes to rectify with the appointment of Adrian Topping as the team's skipper.

"What we have been lacking on the pitch is a natural leader," said Garland.

"I have spoken to David and hopefully he understands.

"We need a captain who can roll up his sleeves and set an example when things are going against us.

"Adrian has those qualities. He is a talker on the pitch and, hopefully, with the authority as captain, others will listen to him and show more fight."

Garland admits to being extremely disappointed by his side's start to their Ryman Premier campaign.

He has delved into the transfer market in a bid to kick-start the club's season.

While Tony Quinton rejoined Sutton United last week, the Robins boss loaned in 19-year-old central midfielder Jerome Maledon from Woking.

Garland is also confident of signing experienced striker Eban Allen from Walton & Hersham.

Garland's side face Heybridge Swifts at home in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

They will need to improve on their inept display at Staines if they are to beat the side Garland hailed as the best team the Robins have played this season.

With Luke Fontana back in the starting line-up and Maledon in midfield, the Robins forced several early corners.

Craig Dundas headed Mark Marshall's free-kick against the crossbar, before the Robins fell behind to a 33rd-minute strike from Ali Chaaban.

A mistake from the normally reliable Colin Hartburn immediately after the break led to Mark Nwokeji netting the Swans' second.

Chaaban scored the third from the spot after Hartburn had fouled Nwokeji.

Substitute came on for Fontana and netted a consolation goal 20 minutes from time.

Carshalton: Seuke, Hartburn, Graves, Cartledge, Boxall, Marshall, Toppin (Drewett), Maledon (Howard), Jabbie, Dundas, Fontana (Rivers).