ANDY KING is adamant his eye to spot 'a gem' minus a hefty price tag could serve Swindon Town well in the coming months.

After watching his side crash to defeat at Notts County on Friday afternoon, King spent Saturday afternoon at Dean Court, watching today's opponents Bournemouth.

The aim is to hit the ground running and King will not be 'easing' himself into the role.

Having been told there was no money available by former chairman Danny Donegan, the message is exactly the same from Willie Carson and the new board.

But a refreshed King is not about to start bleating about a lack of cash.

He thinks the likes of Matt Heywood, Michael Reddy and Paul Edwards show money isn't everything.

He said: "I've had to work without money throughout my managerial career.

"Maybe Roy Evans didn't want to stay around in that situation because it's not a problem he was used to at Liverpool.

"I had nothing at Mansfield and I pretty much had nothing during my first spell at Swindon.

"But I've found a few gems before and let's hope I can find a couple more.

"I don't think we're that far away. A decent result at Notts County would have put us mid-table but it wasn't to be."

King is already hoping to scour the free transfer and loan market to strengthen the squad.

He has already spoken to one as yet unnamed player about a possible move to the County Ground.

Former midfielder Ian Woan is also in the picture after watching his former side in action at Meadow Lane.

But the Town boss was expected to take the same group of players for his first training session this morning.

He said: "All I'm focused on are the two home matches over Christmas.

"Six points and hopefully we'll see a few more smiling faces around the place.

"The passion was missing the other night and I'll be demanding that there is no repeat against Bournemouth."

As for Malcolm Crosby, the assistant manager has yet to make up his mind whether he wishes to be part of King's management team.

Crosby will not make a decision about his own future until after the match with Bournemouth.

As for Neil Ruddock, King has said he is happy to work with the player-coach and vice versa.