NEW Bashley boss Geoff Butler believes he is only "two or three players" away from a side capable of holding their own in the Isthmian Division 1 next season.

With no guarantees over their futures, players such as Andy Darnton, Stuart Cannie, Gary Connolly and Gareth Keeping have all looked elsewhere for next season.

Defender Mark Jones looks set to join Cannie at Winchester City and, with Mark Lisk having moved to Salisbury, Butler's cupboard is looking increasingly bare.

A clutch of youngsters have been blooded in pre-season friendlies, while Bashley's only new arrival is former Cherries, Dorchester and Havant & Waterlooville defender Chris Ferrett.

But having experienced life on a shoe-string at Weymouth, former Salisbury City boss Butler is optimistic of putting out a strong eleven come the opening game at Croydon on August 14.

He said: "There are holes in the squad, but I'm confident of bringing in the quality we need. I would say we are only two or three players away from a strong-looking starting line-up.

"I admit we need a central defender, there's no doubt about that, but we have an abundance of midfielders, some promising youngsters out wide and Danny Gibbons and Richard Gillespie - the G force - up front.

"I'm happy with the keeper (David Elm), he looks the part, so we're not far off. People were panicking a few weeks ago about our lack of players, but I never get worried about these things.

"Once clubs start finalising their squads before the start of the season, a lot of players who have been holding out for better deals will realise they have no clubs to go to and will become available."

Butler will be bound by a tight financial noose, admitting: "We have no money to compete even with the Winchesters or Hamworthys beneath us, but we will work within the budget set and honour the deals we reach.

"The lack of money is not a problem for me. It's about getting the best out of players and getting a spirit and camaraderie going."