GRAHAM Kemp’s departure as Dorchester Town manager had repercussions for Sholing too.

The Boatmen had had talks with Kemp about signing young Magpies midfielder/defender Oakley Hanger to strengthen their injury-hit Southern One South & West squad.

But before any sort of deal could be struck, former Christchurch and Winchester City boss Kemp left his Avenue Stadium post.

“Oakley was going to come up to training and we’d spoken about him joining us, but then a couple of hours later Kempy resigned,” said Diaper.

“Dorchester said by all means put a seven-dayer in, but things might change now with a new manager coming in.

“That just about sums up the luck we’re getting at the moment.”

Diaper, though, is determined to stay upbeat and positive as 17th-placed Sholing seek to put two successive league defeats behind them at home to eighth-placed Shortwood United tomorrow.

“I’ve never known a season like it for injuries, but what goes around comes around. Other clubs have suffered in the past and now it’s our turn,” he said.

“It’s not definite, but hopefully Pete Castle, Byron Mason and Alex Sawyer will be back available tomorrow. We’re not sure about Tobi Adekunle, but Sam Olaofe is still out.

“The good news is that goalkeeper Matt Brown will be back around soon after breaking his finger. He’s had the plaster off and should be back in seven to ten days.

“We’re starting to get a few back now. Marvin McLean, who’s had a bunion on his foot, is on the mend and is going to come to training and Mike Byrne is in the throes of recovering from a hamstring problem.

“We’ll have to soldier on for the next three or four games, but I’d expect to have a full-strength squad available in two to three weeks.

“We’ve got a big game coming up on Tuesday away at Lymington Town in the Hampshire Senior Cup and, while I’m not saying it takes priority over the league, I’d like to go there with a strong enough side to try and get us through to the semi-finals. Lymington are not a bad outfit at the moment.”

While admitting Sholing have “practically written this season off” in terms of making an league impact, Diaper – who doubles up as club chairman - will use the coming months to do the groundwork for a renewed push next term.

“If we’re being level-headed about it, it’s all about next year,” he said. “We’re still upbeat and positive and we’re going to see which players are capable of Southern League football and work with those we think are.

“The good thing is that I’m in charge of the budget, so I know where the money needs to be spent.”