MANAGER Tom Prodomo reckons Bashley can recruit the right characters this summer despite plans for a playing budget still being in limbo.

The New Forest club crashed out of the Southern League after a torrid spell that saw them accumulate just 26 points in the past three seasons combined, writes Andy Mitchell.

Their return to the Wessex ranks after a 27-year absence has been made no easier by uncertainty over whether or not Prodomo will have any funds to utilise next term.

But the 24-year-old boss has retained six of last season’s squad and added seven fresh faces as he battles to steady the ship.

Captain Brad Morris, experienced keeper Joe Prodomo, Toby Cuss, Will Heather, Gary Rogers and Peter Thorne have already committed to Bash despite last season’s relegation.

Tyler Rutten, who netted 11 times in all competitions for Wessex Premier rivals Verwood last term, has switched to the New Forest outfit with Nick Magee from Lymington Town, Great Britain Colleges midfielder Harvey Slade, Luke Corsham, Lewis Brailey, Chris Lucas and Dan Fry, signing up during the past week.

Prodomo said: “If a budget does materialise, we would still base our recruitment on the right type of player who buys into what we want to do.

“The money would have to be an extra incentive for them rather than their sole focus. I am hopeful a small budget will appear, but we are working towards what we offer with or without money.

“The club has been through a difficult time and our aim for now is to sort out what we offer for players.

"We want to make sure we can give them an inviting environment, proper feedback on their performances and the right physical support.

“The games will come thick and fast with some on difficult pitches so we have to consider how we look after the lads."