AFC Totton have added Alex Baldacchino to their squad in time for tomorrow’s Evo-Stik Southern Premier kick-off at Frome Town.

But the 21-year-old striker has signed on the understanding that he is not guaranteed a regular start in Steve Riley’s new-look side.

With Nathaniel Sherborne sidelined with a broken leg, Mark Osman retiring and Stefan Brown, Michael Charles, Ryan Moss and Nathan Jack moving on, Riley has nowhere near the wealth of frontline options his predecessor Stuart Ritchie had at his disposal.

But, with the versatile Dave Allen capable of playing up front alongside summer arrival Richard Gillespie and the hunt continuing for an experienced loan signing, Baldacchino may have to bide his time on the bench.

“I’ve been honest with Alex about his opportunities,” said Riley, pictured. “I told him I’d love him to be in the squad but that if he wants the guarantee of playing every week, this is probably not the place for him.

“But if he wants to learn his trade, play at a decent standard and enjoy himself at a good club, then Totton’s the right place.

“He told me he is enjoying it here and he wants to be involved.”

A Havant & Waterlooville player since the age of 16, Baldacchino is just 5ft 8in tall and slightly built – but he knows where the back of the net is.

He burst onto the local scene with goals galore for New Milton in the Sydenhams League and finished last season in the Southern One South & West with Poole Town.

He signed on again for the Dolphins this summer, but found the travelling too much from his Portsmouth home.

Sherborne aside, Totton have no injury worries for tomorrow’s trip to Badgers Hill. Having come so close to promotion last term in their debut Premier Division season, much will be expected of the beaten play-off finalists.

Riley, who knows the league like the back of his hand from his time with Bashley , is confident, but cautious, going into the new campaign.

“I take nothing for granted because I know how difficult this league can be,” he said. “No matter how well you’ve done the season before, everything can change.

“There is expectation for Totton - and rightly so. I’m ambitious and I know the players want to play in the Conference South, but so much depends on injuries etc. and you can’t get carried away. I see Christmas as the turning point. By then we’ll know what teams are all about.

“I’m really looking forward to a fresh challenge.

“If we can win our home games and pick up points on the road, we’ll do okay. The lads look fit and hopefully we’ll get off to a good start.”

Totton have two home games next week – against Chesham on Tuesday and Stourbridge on Saturday.