Hamble ASSC's new boss Danny Bowers has a lot of good reasons for wanting to keep the struggling Planemakers in the Wessex Division 1.

Over the years the Folland Park club has held a special place in his heart, with several friends and family involved there.

His uncle, Nigel Kent, was manager for many years, his business partner, Dave Lewis, used to play there, and Hamble secretary Matt Newbold is a good friend.

Bowers, a bubbly character who lives in nearby Sholing, would certainly be top of the league if it were down to enthusiasm.

As it is, he inherits a Hamble side who sit second to bottom of the Wessex pile with the fast-improving Downton now just a point behind. Bowers, who officially takes charge for the trip to Bournemouth Poppies tomorrow week (December 11), can't wait to get started.

He said: "We're in dire straits, but we've not become a bad club overnight.

Larry Clay (former manager) did a good job, but a lot of decent players have left to get money elsewhere and the club's had some bad luck along the way.

"We've got 21 games left to stay in this league and all of them are going to be cup finals. Out of the 63 points available, we'll need to pick up between 20 and 30, which is a mammoth task, but my will to win and passion is really high.

"All the players will start with a clean slate. The club's pulled out of positions like this before and they can do it again. I'm really excited about the job. It's an opportunity I couldn't turn down."

Bowers, who was part of Andy Leader's management team at BAT, will work in tandem with his old Tobaccomen colleague Jimmy Ball - son of Alan - who will jointly run first team affairs and take care of coaching.

Ball has left a job with Eastleigh reserves to move to Folland Park.

Bowers said: "Jimmy was captain for me when I managed BAT reserves last season and it's a fantastic coup to get him to Hamble.

"I really rate him as a coach and I'd like to thank Eastleigh manager Paul Doswell for giving him the chance to go out and get some experience.

"I'm hoping we can build a good relationship with Eastleigh."

With Clay's assistant John Ross having left the club, senior players Mark Smith and Richard Morse will be in charge for tomorrow's home game against Alton Town.