SOUTHERN League new boys Winchester City now have two ex-Saints midfielders at the helm.

Following the departure of Glenn Burnett, team boss Paul Masters has invited Paul Wiltshire on board as his right-hand man.

A former Eastleigh reserve team manager, Wiltshire has returned to the non-League scene after parting company with Sydenhams Premier outfit Fawley AFC in February 2012 following a year in charge of the Watersiders.

Both he and Masters learned their trade with Saints and have got to know each other through the local football scene.

“I’ve known Paul for years,” said Masters. “Like me, he was an apprentice at Southampton. He’s older than me and was there before me. He came into non-League before I did and I’ve got to know him through the circuit.

“Paul was a decent non-League player and it’s good to have him on board. He’s fitted in nicely with the lads.”

Having assembled a group of 16 senior players and four youngsters, Masters has virtually completed his squad ready for Winchester’s return to the Evo-Stik Division One South & West.

His only area of concern is the goalkeeping department which was left vacant when early summer signing Ryan Gosney had to back out following the club’s belated promotion from the Wessex ranks.

With trialist Chris Lynch from Verwood Town also unable to commit, Masters is veering towards young Brendan Norris, a 6ft 2in 19-year-old from Basingstoke Town.

“Brendan’s only young, but he’s a good kicker, he throws well and he’s a confident lad,” said the boss.

“I want to go with two goalkeepers but, at the moment, it’s either him or me!” he laughed.