MARK Scott knows all too well how badly Solent Stars need a confidence boost in tonight's NBL Conference basement battle against Manchester Magic at Fleming Park (8pm)

As a player as well as a coach, he has seen at first hand how spirits have been flagging during a torrid spell of nine straight league defeats.

"I'm like a long-toothed old dog," he said. "I can see out on court that our confidence is drained but I can only tell the players to listen to what I'm saying to them, pick their heads up and get going again.

"This was always going to be a rebuilding year for us and it's a time when the younger, inexperienced players have got to learn their trade.

"Those who stick with it will come through with flying colours but, in the meantime, we've got to try and learn how to win. There's no magical tablet they take. It's a case of self-discovery."

One player Scott is particularly pleased with is Chris St Omer whose fighting spirit has always shone through no matter what the result.

"He's all heart and just doesn't give up," said Scott. "I'd like to see Chris Sheldrick come through like that too. He has the physical tools and now we need to work on his attitude."

Stars will be looking for quick revenge against Manchester having lost to them 100-65 only two weeks ago at the Velodrome. They gave a particularly lack-lustre display that night having been hampered by lack of training facilities while Fleming Park was closed for renovation.

Alan Cunningham, who helped with coaching from the bench against Worthing last week, looks set to return to court tonight for his first appearance since the opening game of the season.

The 46-year-old former player-coach retired at the end of last season but has agreed to make the occasional appearance for a Solent side which is in dire need of his skill and charisma.

Solent meanwhile are continuing their search for a new signing ahead of the January 31 deadline date. Such is their determination that director Jim Rumsey has said he would be willing to travel to English Basketball's Leeds headquarters on the day if someone suitable came along at the last minute.