Hamble plan to shed Vase 'outcasts' label

Last season was a superb one for Sydenhams Wessex League clubs at national level with Andover, Gosport Borough and Winchester City all making the Vase quarter-finals and Neil Hards's Winchester going on to lift the trophy at St Andrews.

But, again, Hamble were conspicuous by their absence, having been thrown out of the competition back in the early 90s due to administrative problems.

So far the Planemakers have failed to get reinstated as their Follands Park headquarters has fallen short of FA ground grading requirements - but all that could be about to change.

With the help of cash from ground owners Aerostructures and a lot of hard work from people within the club, Hamble are confident they can make the necessary improvements to get the Vase green light next season.

Secretary Matt Newbold said: "We're the only ones in the Wessex League not in the Vase and it's embarrassing. Getting into the competition should attract players to the club and help us keep the ones we've got."

It would also be a springboard to getting Hamble into the FA Cup for the first time in their history with Newbold explaining: "You've got to play in the Vase for one year before you can enter the Cup."

Hamble have already had one ground inspection and have a list of improvements to do before the grading team returns.

The main work concerns toilet facilities which have meant players, officials and spectators all using the same block.

Newbold explained: "We're getting separate toilets for the referee and the home dressing room and bringing in portable loos for the spectators. After that we'll upgrade the drainage, showers and plumbing."

New dugouts have aleady been built - with a little help from goalkeeper Nick O'Donnell, Hamble's club player and players' player-of-the-year.

Hamble are still looking for a reserve manager for next season plus new players.

Pre-season training starts on Sunday, June 27 at Follands Park (10am). Boss Larry Clay can be contacted on 07774 715529.