MANAGER Dave King remains upbeat over Tividale's survival chances with experienced centre-half Matt Hunt the first to answer his SOS.

Hunt is set to sign from Midland League Premier Division rivals Coleshill Town with King chasing more know-how in a bid to arrest the early-season slump at the Beeches.

Defeats to Shepshed and Long Eaton in the past week left Tivi four points adrift at the foot of the table ahead of a blank weekend and with no fixture until October 1, King will focus his attention on boosting his squad.

"There are a couple of other irons in the fire, we are working very hard on those but we are very pleased to line up Matt," said King.

"He has played at this level or similar for four or five years now and will bring some experience to our side. We had hoped to have him in for the Walsall game but it should be done for the next one.

"A bit of knowhow will certainly help our cause, particularly with Liam Wilkinson leaving. He said he had not been enjoying his football so we wish him well."

Tividale's cause could be helped by the return of three senior players from injury with captain and centre-half Karl Gardner and left-back Liam Smith recovering well and forward Craig Tibbetts closing in on full fitness.

"We have a 10-day break before taking on Stourport and AFC Wulfrunians, two teams down there with us. We have to rally, we are all in it together and it is my job to pick them up."