LOUIS Langdown will have his best buddy by his side when he takes his first match in charge of AFC Totton at home to North Leigh on Saturday (3pm).

Langdown’s first signing since taking the Testwood Stadium job is that of player/assistant manager Adam Wilde.

Midfielder Wilde was a Totton player prior to joining Gosport Borough where he has spent the best part of seven success-filled years.

When he arrived at Gosport they were where the Stags are now, in the Southern League Division One South & West.

Two promotions later, he leaves Borough 12th in the Vanarama National League South.

Now the 37-year-old former Cambridge United, Cambridge City and Weymouth man is ready to pass on the benefit of that experience to a third-to-bottom Totton side in desperate need of a boost.

Having played at Winchester City youth together and been part of the Bob Higgins Academy, Langdown and Wilde have been good pals for years.

“We’re as close as you can get in football and friendship and I’m so excited he’s coming to Totton and Adam's excited about the challenge as well," smiled Langdown.

“He’s trustworthy and, what I’ve got in coaching credentials and a professional background, he’s got in playing credentials.

“I’d like to thank (Gosport boss) Alex Pike for waiving the seven days for Adam. It was an excellent gesture and we’re very grateful to Gosport."

Wilde, who works as a barber in Southampton, made over 40 appearances for the Stags during Stuart Ritchie’s time in charge and the former England C man is looking forward to starting a new chapter.

“At this stage of my career, at my age, I felt it was the right thing to do. I’m going to be Louis’ number two, but I’ll still be playing," he explained.

“I’ve played at a good level and I hope to now push that experience onto younger players at Totton."

Langdown hopes to have a couple more new faces on show to face a North Leigh side buoyed by Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Winchester City. He also plans to name a coach and a goalkeeper coach in the near future.

Wilde’s arrival meant the end of the road for Totton's former assistant boss Andy Darnton who had stood in as caretaker following Steve Hollick’s late-September departure.

“The Darts situation's unfortunate," admitted Langdown. "It was a case of finding out the budget and, unfortunately, Darts was a casualty. It was uncomfortable for me. I don’t know Darts, but it was something I felt I had to do to get Adam on board.”

Darnton was disappointed with the club having “babysat” the team during a difficult period, but stressed: “I’ve nothing against Louis, he seems a nice enough bloke. It must have been awkward for him having that conversation with me because his hands are tied with the budget.”

*Much more on AFC Totton and the local non-League scene in this weekend’s Pink.