Eastbourne Borough boss Garry Wilson insists there is no room for sentiment as he moulds a squad capable of building on an impressive debut season in Blue Square premier.

Long-serving goalkeeper Lee Hook and popular utilitly player Jay Lovett were among five players released by Borough this week.

Wilson admits he wanted Hook, who signed for Dover Athletic yesterday, to stay but withdrew the offer of a new contract when the 30-year-old took too long to sign.

Wilson said: “Lee had another offer which he was thinking over but we couldn’t afford to hang about forever. He has been great for us but he lives in Ramsgate and the travelling was getting too much for him.

“Jay has also been a great servant but the club has got to move forward. I had to make some harsh decisions to release some money for new players and Jay was one of them.”

Wilson is hopeful of announcing a number of new signings within the next week, with goalkeeper Michael Jordan expected to be one of them. Jordan made two appearances for Borough at the end of last season.

Wilson added: “We’ve already had some positive news but until the ink is dried I don’t want to say anything.

“We want to bring in two keepers and Michael could be one of them. We also want a couple of strikers as we are short up front and a defender to provide some competition for places.”

Meanwhile, Borough won £1,428 for finishing as runners-up in the Blue Square premier sportsmanship awards.