FAWLEY AFC have announced a new, but distinctly familiar, management set-up for the upcoming Sydenhams Premier Division campaign.

Following Richie Coxall’s decision to stand down as manager and take a back-seat role, the first-team reins will be jointly held by Darren Sayer and Aaron Fry, supported by Paul Carr as head coach.

Midfielder Callum Tanner, currently sidelined following a knee operation, will busy himself as player-coach.

All four are already established names at Long Lane which, as chairman Kevin Mitchell explained, is very much the Fawley way.

“A few people got in touch about us looking for a new manager but, whilst we had a number of interested applicants from outside, we’re still very committed to local people and people already established with the club.

“We’re a local community club, that’s how we style ourselves, and if we can make these appointments internally, that’s what we do.

“Managers say they can come here and bring six players with them, but that doesn’t fit in with our philosophy of offering football to local players and encouraging youngsters to come through.

“We started training a couple of weeks ago and had 40 players at the first session. We've re-signed the majority of last year’s squad and have half-a-dozen new players coming in.”

Frontman Matt Vining has rejoined the Oilers from Christchurch and more signings will be confirmed shortly as the club seek to improve on 19th place last term.

Moving to pastures new are striker Dan Fry, brother of Aaron, and central defender Chris Lucas, who are both joining relegated Southern League outfit Bashley.

“I’m assuming they’ve gone for the money,” said Mitchell.

“We’re set up the same way we’ve always been, we’re not a paying club.

“Every penny we raise goes to improving what we do off the field, buying kit, training equipment etc.

“This season's going to be as tough as ever, but we’ll set our stall out to compete and see what happens.”