Soccer: Transfer funds depleted says Dugdale

SYDNEY - The National Soccer League expects a flurry of activity when the second transfer window opens in a week, but the Football Kingz are unlikely to jump on the player merry-go-round.

The Kingz will formalise the signing of Chilean defender Mauro Donoso - who has been training with the club since last month - but coach Ken Dugdale yesterday doubted there was enough money to bolster a squad in freefall after a promising start to the season.

Three successive losses have dropped the Kingz from the top six to 10th, their poor trot coinciding with a goal drought stretching back to December 6 when they beat Newcastle 2-0.

The Kingz have scored just 16 goals in 14 matches, worst equal with 12th-placed Northern Spirit, and Dugdale would like to shop around for attacking options.

"It would be nice to get some more but it's down to finances."

He had spoken regularly to general manager Chris Turner, but said there was little prospect of adding players before the transfer period expires on February 15.

The Kingz shed John Foundulakis, Nick Haigh and Paul Dempsey last month as defender Donoso arrived from Audax Italiano.

Dugdale said it was unlikely more players would be offloaded - he could not afford to lose any more.

Meanwhile, another Chilean recruit, midfielder Patricio Almendra, has taken part in a gym session and was expected to participate in field drills today as he recovers from a knee injury.

Fellow midfielder James Pritchett was to turn out for the reserves against Central United in Auckland last night to further test a hamstring injury.

The Kingz host the eighth-placed Wollongong Wolves at Ericsson Stadium on Friday night.

They produced a drab 0-0 draw at Wollongong in the fourth round last October, with Dugdale conceding "it wasn't a great game, it will be a battle again".

Wollongong head to Auckland tomorrow.

- NZPA