AFC TOTTON have three-quarters of their back-line signed up for next season and just have a “young Aaron Cook” left to find.

Manager Steve Hollick believes someone in the mould of former Salisbury City skipper and centre-half Cook would be the ideal summer addition for a Stags side determined to make their mark on the Southern One South & West.

Full-backs Liam Hibberd and Ian Oliver are among the first players to agree fresh terms for next season, along with goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe and wideman Mike Gosney. They join striker Mark Gamble, who is on an 18-month contract.

Pat Wilson, a tower of strength since arriving from Wimborne, is due to sign up for 2016/17 tonight, but it remains to be seen who will play alongside him.

Hollick had hoped young Tony Rolls would be the answer when James Roden was forced to retire due to knee problems earlier this year.

But former Dorchester youngster Rolls has been plagued by injuries, making it impossible for him to get a sustained run of games.

Last weekend Rolls damaged a shoulder in a collision with teammate Jake Burgess and is unlikely to play again this term.

“We’ve struggled all season for centre-halves,” said Hollick.

“Monkey (Roden) was brilliant for us and formed a good ‘little and large’ partnership with Pat Wilson.

“What you got with Monkey was loads of heart and desire and we miss that. It’s not necessarily the best footballers who are the best players.

“Tony's got all the attributes, he’s quick and strong, but he’s struggled with injuries and hasn’t had a string of games.

“We’ve tried different combinations with Ian Oliver playing there, but Ollie’s a better left-back than he is centre-back. We could do with a young Aaron Cook.”

Totton’s tendency to switch off defensively cost them dear on Tuesday when title favourites Cinderford undid them with a late 2-1 winner.

It was the Stags' fifth straight loss and their sixth game without a win.

“I thought we’d cracked it against Cinderford, but we switched off for a split second and the ball was in the net,” rued Hollick.

Fourth-placed Swindon Supermarine visit on Saturday, having already cemented their play-off place.

“There’s no pressure on us and we’ll look to put things right against a really good Swindon side who, I guess, will be jostling for home advantage in the play-offs, “ said Hollick.

“We gave them a good game at their place. We lost 2-0 and ended up with nine men, but the performance gave us a lot of confidence and we went on a good run after that.

“We’re now slumping down the league (14th), which isn’t good enough. We need more consistency going into next season.”

Rolls apart, Totton should have a full roster of players for the weekend with Jack Alexander and Mowthorpe returning.

*Saturday's game against Swindon Supermarine at the Testwood Stadium will be a 'KIDS GO FREE DAY'. Tickets are being delivered to all schools in the area but no ticket will be required to gain entry on the day.