Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has vowed to wield the axe with some of the club’s ageing stars likely to top the list of those heading for the exit door in the summer.

Ks looked battle weary as they crashed 2-0 to Hendon in the London Senior Cup final on Wednesday night.

Dowson has begun the task of rebuilding his squad with former Sutton United defender Alan Bray already in the ranks vying for a spot in next season’s squad.

The current playing staff has two league games left to impress the Kingsmeadow chief, who was spotted scouting at Hampton & Richmond Borough’s Blue Square South defeat to Salisbury City on Tuesday night.

But Dowson admitted even then that might not be enough to save them from the chop.

“Hendon showed why they are a top-five side and we showed why we are where we are and that is why I'm out shopping every night,” he said.

“We are simply not good enough at the moment.

“I started rebuilding last week. I can’t approach anyone until the end of the season, so we are sorting out targets now because I want to be first in.

“We’ve gone from reaching a play-off final to being in mid-table in the space of three seasons. We are a long way from where we want to be.

“It will be a busy summer and I’ve cancelled my holiday. I’m excited about the challenge.”

Ks looked well beaten as second half goals from David Currie and Jack Mazzone wrecked hopes of silverware and midfielder Matt Pattison admitted it would be tough for the players to pick themselves up and fight for their futures.

“The first goal saw the heads go down and the second one knocked the stuffing out of us,” he added.

“Everything was targeted toward Wednesday and it was a disappointing outcome.

“We want to finish strongly but, when there is nothing to play for, it makes it harder.”

Ks had their chances with star striker Bobby Traynor spurning the best – a first half header from inside the six yard box that was well saved.

But Dowson reckoned his men were clutching at straws if they thought they deserved better.

“We had some chances but they had plenty too,” he added.

“Mistakes at the back cost us, we couldn’t score and our midfield was embarrassing. That is the story of our season. I’m gutted for the supporters more than I am for myself, but winning the cup would have papered over the cracks.”