SOUTHERN League newcomers Andover have turned to one of their former crowd favourites to compensate for the loss of goal machine Justin Bennett to Eastleigh, writes WENDY GEE.

Paul Hunt, a prolific scorer with the north Hampshire club during the 1990s, has climbed back into the Lions' den from Fairford Town, where he had been assistant manager and coach.

The 35-year old, who has Football League experience with Swindon Town, has been much travelled since leaving Forest Green Rovers in 2001 with spells at Chippenham, Swindon Supermarine and Devizes. He now owns his own business and is a football coach for Forest Green.

Hunt's experience will be just the tonic for Andover as they prepare for promotion from the Wessex League to the Southern Division 1 South & West.

Boss Ady Burford said: "I spoke to several strikers, but Paul's the only guy who said I'll score you 25 goals a season."

Lions have also signed Winchester City's FA Vase-winning keeper Simon Arthur, above, from Salisbury City as a replacement for Colin Hopkins, who is believed to be training with Nick Holmes's Conference South newcomers.

l St Lucian international Rene Regis is to quit Salisbury City because he needs to be closer to his work in the Army.

Regis, signed from Chippenham in August last year, was a popular member of Whites' Southern Premier title-winning squad, making 15 league and cup appearances, plus 18 as sub.

He has been forced to accept that City's promotion to the Conference South has made it difficult to commit fully to the cause.

For more details please ring Nick Holmes or Tommy Widdrington at the club on 01722 326454.

l Highly regarded utility man Danny Barker has joined Sydenhams Premier outfit Hamble ASSC.

The 28-year-old former Basingstoke, Andover, Eastleigh and Totton defender/midfielder is one of two new signings at Follands Park, along with former Hampshire under-21 player Dave Egerton.

Two former Bashley players Andy Darnton and Stuart Hussey are also training with Danny Bowers's team.