SOLENT Stars have yet to pin down a new signing despite intense activity over the three-week Christmas shutdown.

Stars have accommodation in Eastleigh ready and waiting for a prospective squad addition but, with the transfer deadline less than a month away, they are still hunting high and low for a man to turn their season around.

Stars begin the second half of the 2000/1 campaign away to Manchester Magic at the Manchester Velodrome tomorrow (Sunday, January 7, 4pm) lying rock-bottom of the National Basketball League Conference without a win to their name.

As well as looking abroad for new talent, they have been scouring the Solent area for hidden gems but, as director Jim Rumsey reported: "We have made enquiries to several known local players who have made no commitment to National League basketball but, as yet, we've had no joy."

In the meantime the club are urging existing squad members to show the dedication needed to kick-start the season - and the good news is that former player-coach and crowd favourite Alan Cunningham is ready to come to their aid.

Still a co-owner of the club, the 46-year-old American has pledged to help in the search for new players and is even getting himself fit to play a limited part on court.

Although unlikely to travel to Manchester tomorrow, Cunningham - who retired as a player at the end of last season - could well make an appearance or two during Stars' run of six-back-to-back Saturday night home games which tip off against Worthing Thunder at Fleming Park next Saturday (January 13, 8pm).

Manchester are next up on January 20 followed by Plymouth Raiders (January 27), Coventry Crusaders (February 3), Inter Basket London (February 10) and Sutton Pumas (February 17).

One bonus in the coming weeks will be the availability of some of the club's outstanding teenagers.

Players like Dave McKay, Clayton Milner and Rob McDonald will all be free to play on a more regular basis because there are fewer clashes with under-20 fixtures.