Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson is hoping the full-time return of defender Gary MacDonald can draw a line under a run of four games without a win.

The Kingsmeadow chief has come in for some criticism as his men have slipped back to fourth in the Ryman League Premier Division title race over the festive period.

Dowson has vowed to reinforce his striking options, but conceding six goals in the last two league games at home has raised questions over the Ks defence.

The manager, who expects to collect two new signatures ahead of the weekend, insists he will turn things around at both ends of the pitch - with the help of MacDonald.

And any talk of crisis is well wide of the mark.

“We’re not playing very well and I’ve got to do something about it. There is some stick going about and it is down to the manager to change things and I will,” he said.

“Having Gary back will be like a new signing. We haven’t lost many this season when he has started a match to tell the truth, so we need to get him back on the pitch.

“We are on a bit of a bad run and there is a lack of confidence in the squad, but it is not a crisis. We are fourth in the league and In three games time we could be top.”

And Dowson, who recently signed a two year contract with the club, says he retains the backing of the Board, despite the recent dip that sees them with ten points from their last seven games.

“I think I drank myself to sleep on Monday and Malcolm (Winwright) rang me to check I was alright. He feels for us and you don’t often get that in a chairman,” he added.

“I’ve got a two year contract and I will see that through. I’ve been here before and whatever happens I’ll turn this around.”

Ks face Billericay Town and struggling Aveley, before facing promotion rivals Bury Town and Cray Wanderers, and the manager wants more passion from his men.

“Bash Alimi is the only player who just wants to play his best for Ks and is the only one showing that at the minute,” Dowson added.

“People have got to show me they want to play for the club.”

Kingstonian’s next three games: Jan 8 Billericay Town (a), 10 Aveley (h), 15 Bury Town (h).