ASHLEY Vickers is turning to some former team-mates in his hour of need.

The Dorchester Town chief is desperate to halt the slide after seeing his men crash to a third consecutive defeat in Tuesday night’s 4-2 loss at Havant & Waterlooville.

And he is looking to bolster the county town ranks with some of his ex-colleagues.

He told Echosport: “I’m talking to a couple of players, who I have played with and are still very much playing now, to see if they will come down as a favour to me.

“On occasions, there comes a time when you have to go to people who you have a good relationship with.

“I know a lot of individuals for whom money is not a factor and I am talking to a couple of them to see if they will strengthen our squad. I don’t want to say who they are until I know for sure whether they are coming down or not.

“They are experienced chaps but they would only come for expenses at most because there is no more money to give them.

“You make a lot of friends during the course of your career and I’m hoping to use those relationships to help the club.”

The Magpies’ manager received a vote of confidence from chairman Shaun Hearn three weeks ago but sections of the Avenue Stadium faithful remain adamant the time has come for a change at the helm.

Vickers though, refuses to throw in the towel. “I will do my very best to get us out of the situation we are in,” he added.

“Everyone knows I’m a grafter and I will be grafting to turn things around. Never will I crawl into my shell.

“People may get bored with me saying the same things but I say them because I believe them and I still have every belief we will finish in a good position this season.

“We have some great people at the club with the likes of Andy Harris, Phil Simkin, Damion Maston, Chris Wilson, Derek Taylor, Dan Fuge, Robbie Taylor and Dave Kiteley.

“I don’t feel sorry for myself but I do feel sorry for them as they work ever so hard.”

The Magpies entertain Tonbridge Angels this weekend.

* Ticket prices for the Dorset Senior Cup clash between Dorchester and Weymouth at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Tuesday night are as follows: Adults £11, concessions £8, children £3.

Anyone attending the Terras’ home meeting with Brackley on Saturday can purchase a ticket for Tuesday’s game for £5.