ROMSEY Town might well spring a surprise ‘new’ signing on Moneyfields in the Sydenhams Premier tonight.

Former manager Danny Barker, who parted company with the club in October, has agreed to help out his successor and former assistant Carl Bennett as a player.

“Danny’s had a couple of enquiries management-wise, but he texted me to say he wanted to get his boots out again and play,” said Bennett.

“I immediately said I wanted him at Romsey. He’s signed on and we know how good Danny is.

“He’s 36 now but, when he’s fit, he’s up there with the best midfielders in the league.

“I spoke to the chairman and all the players and everyone was right up for it and Danny got back to me and said ‘yeah let’s do it.’ “He told me he wasn’t around until the 28th of this month, but there’s a chance he’ll be available to come to Moneyfields.”

Tonight’s game goes ahead despite the uncertainty surrounding Moneyfields’ controversial FA Vase tie against Bitton AFC on Saturday which was abandoned 11 minutes into extra time due to a mass brawl.

Both clubs went into the hat for yesterday’s fourth round draw, but the FA couldn’t take action beforehand because they had yet to receive the referee’s report.

The pair are likely to be charged and it remains to be seen if the FA will order a replay at Moneyfields or Bitton or throw both clubs out.

Romsey are still nailed to the foot of the Premier Division following Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Christchurch.

Marcus Cullen struck late at the Bypass Ground to end Priory’s six-match winless streak.

“I don’t like to keep on about referees, but he got it wrong and should have given offside,” said Bennett.

“We didn’t do enough to win, but we did more than enough not to lose it.

“As the game went on, I honestly felt it would be 0-0. But an offside goal in around the 86th-minute has cost us a point.”

Romsey’s cause wasn’t helped when striker Jordan Parker hobbled off midway through the first-half with a knee injury.