JOHN Robson is "quietly optimistic" about the future of AFC Totton now that the club have ironed out the summer creases that triggered a player exodus from Testwood Park.

Five new signings have already climbed aboard and Robson is in talks with a 'keeper from Jersey to replace the experienced Wayne Shaw, who is now goalkeeping coach at Eastleigh.

Although the likes of Paddy James, Ben Thomson, Danny Barker and Darren Curtis have left last season's Wessex League Cup winners, experienced defender Stuart Ritchie is among a healthy crop of players to have re-signed Wessex forms - despite interest from former Totton boss Ian Robinson at Lymington & New Milton.

Cool under pressure and a master of set pieces, Ritchie's decision to stay is a major boost for the club. Robson said of the ex-Aston Villa, Bashley and Newport IoW centre-back: "Stuart is quality - as a bloke as well as a player. He's a real pro and had a great run towards the end of last season. If we can get Matt Parnell to sign too, then you won't get a better central defensive partnership."

Former Gloucester City and Shortwood United defender Parnell is one of two key players who have yet to pledge their future to Totton - the other being skipper and targetman Martin Whiddett.

Both reported back for training this week and Robson will not hassle them into a decision.

He said: "If they go elsewhere there's little I can do, but I've got to trust them. Matt's told me I won't have to go looking for another centre-half, but says there's no rush to sign. The form is there when he's ready."

Clive Ventham, who captained Alton Town to the Hampshire League title during Robson's days in charge, heads a sizeable list of midfield captures.

He is joined by former Cardiff City, Bashley and Worthing man Rob Savage, Winchester City's Jason Ahmet and Mark Clothier from Blackfield & Langley.

The fifth new face is jet-heeled former Bashley wideman Richard Zammit, who has been living away in Portugal.

Pete Clark, Mark Osman, Richie Hurst, Ben Shawyer, Hedley Winter, David Egerton and Michael White are all staying.