ANDY KING admits the foreigners are playing their British counterparts off the park in their approach to finding a new club.

The Town boss has spent a fruitless day at his former club Luton Town watching a series of trial matches this week.

With Nottingham Forest's Andy Gray having slipped from his grasp, King is back on the trail of a goalscorer and a couple of players in other key positions.

Such was the quality on offer at Kenilworth Road that the Town boss left well before the end, but not before noticing a developing trend.

He said: "What struck me was the number of foreign players and the lack of British hopefuls.

"It seem to be a difference in mentality.

"The foreign players released by their clubs are prepared to pack their bags and try their luck abroad.

"They might not necessarily have any more talent than the British players but they certainly have a more professional approach to trying to find themselves work.

"Players in this country often seem in no rush, despite being released.

"They decide to go away on holiday, well aware that they have a month's severance pay.

"When they return, there is an almighty scramble to find a new club before the season gets underway.

"The day at Luton was very similar to the event I organised at Swindon last month.

"In fact quite a few of the players who came that day were also playing at Luton.

"I know they are being touted around by their agents but at least they are prepared to go looking, wherever it takes them.

"But the trouble with these trial games is that you don't have the tempo and it is very difficult to make a judgment in such circumstances."

However, while he might question the British approach, King is adamant that continental does not necessarily mean better.

He said: "I think the character of the British players once they are out on the pitch is not in question.

"But I suppose you have to accept that different countries have a different approach to things."

King will continue his hunt for new players to improve his squad but he will only be in a position to offer contracts when the PFA embargo is lifted from the club.

If a fresh CVA is agreed, the Town boss could be free to move for players within a fortnight.

Meanwhile Sol Davis has again been linked with a move to Portsmouth.

Davis, who is out of contract after turning down a new deal at the County Ground but would command a fee because of the bosman ruling, is rumoured to be the target of a £400,000 bid from the South Coast side.

The County Ground stages the second annual Peter Godwin Memorial Trophy competition on Sunday. Further details on 01793 333718.