BEMERTON Heath Harlequins are casting their nets to find a replacement for out-going manager Graham Kemp.

Kemp will be standing down at the end of the season, just over two years after succeeding Ian Chalk at the Western Way helm.

Ex-Christchurch and Dorchester boss Kemp has grown frustrated by player unavailability and chairman Steve Slade admitted: “We’re really sorry he’s going.

“Graham has been unlucky with injures and losing Micky Hubbard (to Sholing) after we had gone out of the FA Vase was another blow.

“We’ve been unable to attract local players, which hasn’t helped, but these days there are very few players in Salisbury and the surrounding areas who are good enough to play Wessex football.

“We need someone who can get hold of some young players and guide them in the Wessex Premier and steady the ship again.”

Player headaches apart, Bemerton pride themselves on being one of the most attractive clubs in the Sydenhams set-up.

“We’ve got everything in place here,” said Slade. “Our facilities are first-class and that’s got to count for something.”

Kemp himself reckons whoever replaces him as manager “will be lucky to join such a good club.”

“They organise everything for you and they’re a proper football club who, within reason, give you everything you want,” he said.

“Me leaving Bemerton is nothing to do with the club, it’s just the way football’s gone. The slightest excuse these days and players can’t play.

“It’s going to be a rebuilding job for Bemerton because 90 per cent of the players come from Southampton and Bournemouth and I can’t guarantee they will stay when I go.

“The club needs to take a step back, get some local players in and build from there.”

Anyone interested in talking about the vacancy can ring chairman Steve Slade on 07798 732799.