MARK Bentley says he moving past recent setbacks to bolster his Canvey Island squad.

The Gulls manager has only added winger Jack Simmons to his squad since arriving at the Frost Hire stadium at the start of the month.

Key players Steve Sheehan, Jake Pitty and Mitch Gilbey have gone the other way but Bentley remains confident of adding to his group in the coming week.

“I am busy looking but we will not rush into anything,” he said. “We have a good squad and base to build from.

“We are speaking to a few others and know which areas I want to bolster. We have missed out on a couple and some of the money being touted is ridiculous so we can’t compete.

“I am busy behind the scenes but there is no panic and we are not far off.

“I have been looking locally and using some of my contacts. These days you are able to watch highlights of games as well which is very helpful for managers.

Alex Stephenson is likely to require surgery following a recent shoulder injury, with a centre back and right-back on Bentley’s wanted list.

Of Simmons’ signing, Bentley added: “I want to be attacking and I want pace out wide. Jack is someone I have heard lots about and everyone talks highly of him. It was a no brainer and he is one I want to work with.”

But he was unable to secure the signature of Correy Davidson following his Bowers & Pitsea exit, despite working with him at Grays Athletic.

The wide man joined Coggeshall Town despite speaking with at least three other clubs.

“I spoke to Correy after I saw what he put on Twitter,” he said. “I know he had promised to sign for another club and then ducked out. I thought I was in but it’s his prerogative and the move must of made sense for him.”