Rocks boss is depserate to find some characters

Rocks boss Darin Killpartrick has made an impassioned pleas to his players to start showing more initiative on the pitch.

The manager is fed up with some waiting to be told at every turn what to do and how to play.

And he has revealed he is hunting new players who can bring greater character and charisma to the dressing room and an ability to take games by the scruff of the neck.

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Killpartrick is becoming more and more frustrated with his lot as the Rocks struggle to secure the results that will lift them away from bottom spot in the Ryman League premier division.

His mood hasn't been helped by two defeats in four days away to Wealdstone and Tonbridge.

Killpartrick blasted the 'poor' display at Wealdstone, and even a much better performance at Tonbridge on Tuesday night, when the Rocks created most of the chances, did little to cheer him '“ as pleased as he was to see his team dominate for long spells against one of the division's big spenders.

"I still need to make changes. You can see that by looking at our results," said Killpartrick.

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"We've had seven or eight weeks to look at things and it's clear we've a long way to go.

"I want one or two more characters in the dressing room '“ not necessarily older players but real characters. People who will bring charisma and drive and energy to the squad.

"The squad are a bit flat at the moment. Some of them need to have everything explained to them.

"They're asking 'How should I do this?' and 'What should I do here?' but I'm looking for more players to show their initiative, whether that's on the pitch, in training or whatever.

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"We obviously don't mind coaching the players '“ that's what we're here for '“ but they shouldn't be relying solely on us to get them going."

What's your view? What type of player do the Rocks need to add to their ranks? Email [email protected] and we will publish your comments

Killpartrick has high hopes for his latest signing making a difference to the side's fortunes.

Jason Prior, a 6ft 2in centre forward who has been scoring goals regularly for Portsmouth side Moneyfields in the Wessex League premier division in the past couple of seasons, joined the Rocks in Tuesday, just in time to make his debut at Tonbridge.

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Prior, who is in his early 20s, looked a handful and went close to scoring a couple of times.

Killpartrick said: "He looks like a good lad. He's very keen to learn and I'm hopeful he'll do well for us."

Prior's arrival will give Killpartrick four strikers to select from when Gary Norgate's ban ends next week.

But the reappearance of former Bristol Rovers midfielder James Fraser at Nyewood Lane looks like being shortlived.

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He returned to the club '“ where he had a successful spell last

season '“ at the end of last week and has come on as a sub in the past two games.

But Killpartrick said it looked like Fraser would be moving on.

The Rocks may welcome one more new face before Saturday, when they turn their attentions to the Sussex Senior Cup and a home second-round clash with Horsham.

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Killpartrick said: "If I'm honest I'd rather have another league game to build on the display at Tonbridge, but the cup is important to the fans and to me.

"I know John Maggs and Mark Hawthorn quite well and I'm looking forward to going up against them."