STEVE Hollick has chosen the experienced Andy Darnton as his new right-hand man at Southern One South & West outfit AFC Totton.

With over 700 games at Southern and Ryman League level behind him as a player and another ten years in management and coaching, Darnton – who succeeds departed head coach Lee Burch as the Stags’ No2 – knows the game inside out.

A former defender, Darnton played for Gosport, Worthing, Fleet, Bashley, Waterlooville and Newport IoW during a distinguished non-League career.

Since hanging up his boots he has chalked up managerial experience with Winchester City, Bashley and Andover in the Southern League and coached Sydenhams Wessex clubs Romsey, Verwood and Christchurch.

More recently he had been helping out Martin Beck at Alresford Town.

“To get Andy on board is a real achievement for AFC Totton,” smiled Hollick.

“I know him from Bashley and was lucky to work under him at Romsey when he came in with Wayne Mew.

“He’s just what we want. He’s an infectious character, brilliant in the dressing room, and has vast experience in playing and coaching.

“He understands the leagues and he’s a bit more old school and can be a disciplinarian when needed.

“He is someone I can lean on quite heavily.”

More good news is that two of Totton's main attacking stars are the latest to have agreed new terms.

Former Sholing winger Nick Watts is staying put, as is club stalwart Nathaniel Sherborne who is heading into his testimonial year.

“Sherbs won nearly all the awards at the presentation night and rightly so,” said Hollick. “He had an excellent season. The way he conducts himself makes him a pleasure to work with. I wish there were more like him.

“Wattsy did really well too. He has the potential to be electrifying on his day. When him and Gos (Mike Gosney) are working well in tandem, they’re unplayable.”

Totton have yet to make any summer signings but Hollick is hopeful of strengthening a squad that finished 15th last term.

While they need to keep tabs on their budget, the Stags' Testwood Stadium facilities and the new link-up with Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching makes them an attractive proposition.

"We've got some of the best facilities in this league and locally," said Hollick. "Add that to the coaching side we're setting up and hopefully it'll be enough to attract a few new faces."