Francis Vines has told Carshalton Athletic fans to expect plenty of new faces over the coming weeks as he looks to salvage the season at Colston Avenue.

A campaign of high expectations has soured dramatically over recent weeks with the departure of boss Hayden Bird, a stunning loss of form and the releasing of numerous players, the most recent Liam Harwood late last week.

But incoming manager Vines insists any departees will be replaced.

He said: “There is still a lot of work to be done and a lot of players I want to bring in.

“We are in a transitional phase at the moment.

“I would say we have 13 or 14 elite players and that is just not good enough.

“I want to bring in a lot more and they cannot come quick enough.

“But as is the norm at this level, players may have to go to bring people in and the fans should prepare for that.”

Harwood was another high-profile release - the defender only returned to the Robins late last season after an ill-fated spell at Bristol Rovers.

And Vines rubbished suggestions it was another cost-cutting exercise.

He added: “Quite simply Liam said that he wanted to leave.

“It was the player’s decision and I said yes.

“He said he had not been happy for some time and if a player does not want to be here we will bring in someone who does.”

The loss of Harwood was compensated by the arrival of Justyn Roberts on loan from Sutton, and Vines expects Roberts to make an immediate impact.

He added: “One thing that concerns me is that we are a small side.

“We need a bigger physical presence and Justyn brings that to the side.

“There is still a lot that needs doing and we are definitely a work in progress.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Oct 3 AFC Hornchurch (h), 13 Waltham Abbey (h), 17 Aveley (FAT, a)