Goalkeeper Chris Tardif and defender Gary MacDonald have signed within the past week to shore up a side who have managed only two draws so far.

The key to clean sheets could be the relationship the back five have, with most of them having played together before at some stage – and in MacDonald and Tardif's case, lived together.

The pair shared a house together when they were on Pompey's books as youngsters.

But after going their separate ways, they've been reunited with Mick Jenkins again, having had spells with him at Havant & Waterlooville.

Tardif will hoping to keep hold of the No1 shirt after a string of goalkeepers have come and gone for different reasons so far this season.

They are two of four new faces brought in over the past week who made their debuts in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Welling.

Ex-Pompey and Oxford midfielder Carl Pettefer, who can play on either side of the pitch, joined on the same day as Tardif, while Oxford striker Alex Fisher, who impressed in pre-season, returned to Nyewood Lane on dual registration.

The Rocks have released winger Josh Dutton-Black, who has gone to Eastleigh, while defender Ryan Hill is now playing for Totton in the Southern League.

Jenkins still wants more players – chiefly a striker to solve the goal drought – but warned any more recruits would have to be balanced by a player being moved on.

The manager said: "We are up to our maximum budget, even over it.

"If we bring in anyone else, and we still want to, it will have to be at the expense of someone already here. We are looking at a squad of 17 or 18, and may even have to go with 16."

But despite the worries over the squad, Tardif (28) called on fans to give the new side time – and says he hasn't come just for a relegation battle.

He told the Observer: "I would like people not to judge us just yet. We're a new team with a long way to go.

"I'd hope we can get to mid-table, and who knows? If we have a decent run, we can challenge for the play-offs.

"I have watched a couple of games this season. I still believe with the squad of players we have got here, we can do well in the league.

"Bognor's a great club and a great place, and I know the management – everything fitted for me as it's close to home."

"There are quite a few players I know from my Portsmouth days. There are a few more I've met along the way as well. A lot of the guys are good friends.

"I played under Jenks when he was manager at Havant – I went there on loan from Pompey, and I know Andy Awford from when he played at Fratton."

MacDonald, who has signed after leaving Ebbsfleet United, had a torrid time with injuries last year after rupturing his Achilles on his debut.

The 28-year-old centre-back said: "I enjoyed my time playing under Jenks at Havant – that stuck in my mind as a good time in my career. He gave me a call so I came down.

"I just want to play as many games as I can. If I can rack up 25 or 30 games, I will be happy.

"With Bognor not having started particularly well, I'm hoping I can help them carry on better than how they've begun the season."

He returned to training with Ebbsfleet at the end of February and managed eight games before the end of the season, which included picking up a winner's medal in the FA Trophy final.

He said: "I snapped my Achilles on my debut for Ebbsfleet last season, so that kept me out until February. It's absolutely fantastic now. I've rehabilitated well and it feels fine.

"I'm definitely champing at the bit to get going. When you've been out for as long as me, you just want to play again."

MacDonald also revealed his relief at seeing Jenkins' hairstyle was a little more normal these days.

He said: "I'm glad to see Jenks hasn't got purple hair any more. I think he went though a funny few months of having different-coloured hair every week."