IF Lymington & New Milton claim the Wessex League title this season, no one would be more chuffed than their retired skipper, Jimmy Sheppard.

Although the gritty midfielder was a veteran of 548 games for Bashley during his playing heyday, it's the Linnets who are closest to his heart.

At the age of 40, Sheppard was planning to hang up his boots in any case this summer, but his retirement was hastened by a 56-day suspension.

Manager Ian Robinson would ideally like to keep him involved on the coaching side but Sheppard is so fond of the club that he said: "It wouldn't bother me if I was selling golden goal tickets!

"I never go back to Bashley or Brockenhurst because I'm not that sort of person. I don't keep in touch with people I went to school with or anything like that. But I like all the lads at Lymington and I've enjoyed my time here more than at any other club - and even more so in the last couple of seasons since Robbo's been in charge."

Sheppard's knowledge of the New Forest football scene has proved invaluable to Southampton-based Robinson and the pair share a mutual respect.

"Robbo's a top man and a top manager," said Sheppard, "and getting Tavvy (Dave Taviner) in was a great move because we've got the best coach in the area.

"They're all good people at this club and the potential here is tremendous."

Linnets' title hopes suffered a setback on Tuesday when they were frustrated 0-0 at lowly Alton.

They go into the Easter programme - away to Wimborne tomorrow (12 noon) and home to Brockenhurst on Monday (7.45pm) - lying three points adrift of leaders Winchester with eight games apiece remaining.