SHOLING chairman/manager Dave Diaper is putting his faith in the next generation.

The Boatmen have signed up four youngsters ahead of next season.

Academy trio Owen Roundell, Dan Dove and Jordan Brooks have joined first-team winger Tobi Adekunle in committing their future to the Silverlake Arena.

Centre-back Roundell, 18, has already appeared for Sholing's first team this term and went on as a late substitute in the 3-0 Hampshire FA Senior Cup defeat to Gosport Borough.

Goalkeeper Brooks, 17, was also called into Southern League South & West action to cover for an injury crisis.

Midfielder Dove, 19, meanwhile, has been mainly playing for the Boatmen's reserves.

Speaking at the club's presentation night, Diaper said the key to Sholing's future success would be to continue to develop home-grown players.

His big hope is that Sholing's next generation can follow in the footsteps of Mike Carter and Lee Wort, who are now plying their trade in the Conference South with Gosport Borough.