Fawley boss Coxall believes young, local players are the way forward for the Oilers

While Follands parted company with summer managerial appointment Jay Keating because they feared his side was too young for the Wessex League, Fawley have lowered the age of their already youthful squad.

With the exception of Bemerton-bound goalkeeper Joe Prodomo, the Oilers have retained all of last season’s playing personnel and added four young guns to the mix.

Keeper Michael Edgar has joined from Lymington Town, left-sided midfielder George Pooley comes in from AFC Totton reserves and local lads Damian Davies and Shane Lamb have been picked up from Sunday football.

Fawley boss Richie Coxall, whose side open their campaign at home to Bournemouth Poppies tomorrow  said: “We need to make sure we’ve got the best young players in our area. We don’t necessarily want players from outside the area unless they fit in with the culture of the club.

“As long as we’ve got a crop of youngsters prepared to stick together and develop together, that’s all we want. This club relies on its youngsters.”

With last year’s player/co-manager Callum Earl focused on cricket and his forthcoming wedding, Darren Sayer has returned from Blackfield & Langley to become Coxall’s No2. Paul Carr is head coach, while Lee Shepherd and Sam Burrow will run the reserves.

The Oilers finished 17th last season and any improvement would be deemed a success.

“We’ve got a squad of 18/19 players all capable of playing at this level. It gives us a nice selection problem," smiled Coxall.

“It’s important we make a positive start against teams who, with respect, will be in and around where we are. We’ve got to win our own division.”

Folland Sports are also in action tomorrow (Friday, 7.45pm) at home to Bemerton.

Fresh into the Planemakers' camp is ex-Sholing defender Lewis Fear who spent pre-season with Bashley.

Follands' new Ghanaian striker Pena injured a groin in training and will miss the start of the season.