SYDENHAMS Wessex League relegation escapees Hamble ASSC have talked ex-Saint Paul Masters out of retirement to become player/co-manager to Danny Bowers.

The 33-year-old, who as a teenager played alongside Alan Shearer and Jeff Kenna for Saints' reserves, is a dream replacement for Alan Ball's son, Jimmy, who is off to coach in Australia.

Bowers can barely contain his excitement at getting Masters on board just five months after the steely midfielder took the heartbreaking decision to hang up his boots with BAT Sports because of a serious knee injury.

Hamble, who have unofficially escaped relegation from the Wessex 1 because of Lymington & New Milton's promotion, are believed to have beaten off hot competition for his services from former BAT boss Andy Leader, now with Christchurch.

Bowers, one-time assistant to his good mate Leader at BAT, said: "Andy wanted to sign Paul, but we've been lucky enough to get him here. What a signing it is for us!

"I've lost Jimmy and was looking for someone of that calibre to take his place.

"Paul's been looking to get into management and, working with me, he can have a 50-50 role. It won't be me as number one and him as number two, we will work together as one.

"Paul says he still wants to play but we're not quite sure how many games he'll get through. We'll see how his knee goes.

"On his day he's still one of the best central midfielders in the league and he's a well-known name in the area.

"When people know he's coming to Hamble, he will probably draw some other names to the club."

It was only a matter of months ago that former Wessex champions and Vase winners Winchester City had ex-Havant, Waterlooville and Bashley man Masters at the top of their wanted list and Bowers enthused: "It's an unbelievable coup for Hamble.

"Paul doesn't settle for second best, he's a winner and I'm sure he'll be a leader from the dugout too."