Kingstonian sign three to boost title bid

The Kingsmeadow chief added Dover Athletic winger Sam Long, 20, Leatherhead Jack MacLeod, 22, and experienced Harrow Borough midfielder Dewayne Clarke, 32, to his squad this week.

Dowson has so far been frustrated in his search for another goalscorer to join Bobby Traynor and Allan Tait in his frontline.

But he has vowed to get his man as Ks ramp up their bid to secure Blue Square South football at the third time of asking under the genial Geordie.

“I’m happy with my defence and midfield, I just need another striker and then we’ll be in a position to give it a real go,” he said.

“I thought I had one lined up who said he was desperate to play for Kingstonian, then I get a phone call from his club manager to say he’s changed his mind.

“It is a good job I didn’t sign him because I don’t want that sort of person at the club.”

And if anyone questions his transfer dealings this summer, Dowson has warned they can tell their story walking - to the exit door if they want.

“In six years of management this is the first time in pre-season where I genuinely haven’t got an idea of what my starting eleven will be come the start of the season,” he added.

“There is real competition for places everywhere as far as I’m concerned.

“If any of the players come to me asking why I’ve signed this person or that person , then I’ll say look at last season.

“We got knocked out in the early rounds of the cup and didn’t make the play-offs. If they don’t want to fight for their place they can go.”

Dowson, who was delighted with his three new faces and has promised more, has persuaded Long to step down from the Blue Square South by insisting Ks will be at that level this time next year.

He said: “I’ve told Sam, coming here isn’t a backward step because we are a club heading in that direction sooner rather than later.

“Both him and Jack want to get into the Football League and we believe we can give them the platform to do that.”