BLACKFIELD & Langley – home to National League outfit Eastleigh in a pre-season friendly this evening (Tuesday, 7pm) – have welcomed a new face onto the management team.

With first-team coach James Ford stepping down for personal reasons, James Wood has been appointed right-hand man to Watersiders’ boss Glenn Howes.

Wood successfully managed Bournemouth Poppies before assisting both Tom Killick at Poole Town and Graham Kemp at Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Chris Farrell, another of Howes’s assistants, said: “I’ve known Woodsy for 20 years and he’s going to be a very good addition.

“He and Glenn know each other inside out from when Glenn was captain at Poole and Woodsy was assistant manager.

“James is very positive, organised, motivated and he knows what he wants.

“What Woodsy brings to the table is going through defensive work on the training pitch and he will make us hard to beat.”

Blackfield have strengthened all round the park this summer, but they have one key vacancy in the striking department.

All the while Jamie White remains on board, the Watersiders should still pack a punch up top.

The ex-Saint averaged almost a goal a game last season, striking 38 times in 44 appearances.

But, with Sydenhams Premier promotion firmly in Blackfield's sights, Farrell said: “In an ideal world Glenn would like another striker.

“We’ve got other players who can do a job up front, but we could do with someone to supplement Jamie.

“So if there are any budding strikers out there who fancy it, then give us a call.”

Entry at Gang Warily tonight is £3 adults (including concessions) and £1 children (13-16). There are some discount vouchers available for adults taking under-12s.