Jewson Wessex League Preview

NEW Blackfield & Langley manager Tim Packer has been given the green light to make some new signings before the January 31 transfer deadline.

Packer has had a four out of six-point success rate since taking on the job permanently last Friday, but the Watersiders still need to strengthen to ensure they are not relegated after just one season in the Jewson Wessex League.

Confirming that Packer is currently talking to four prospective new additions, B&L chairman Ian Hoare underlined his confidence in the new boss, saying: "We decided to go with Tim because he knows the club and is totally committed to the Blackfield cause.

"He's very experienced as a player and coach and the players like and respect him."

Blackfield currently sit third from bottom of the table just behind tomorrow's hosts Downton, who are also on 12 points but have four games in hand on the Watersiders - plus a superior goal difference.

Hamble ASSC are five points better off in 17th place but will be desperate to get a disappointing festive week out of their system that brought a 2-0 defeat at Eastleigh followed by a 6-1 home thrashing from Brockenhurst.

The Planemakers' cause has not been helped by losing Mark Thompson and Gordon McKean to week-long New Year's suspensions which date back to red-card offences committed in October.

"It's taken over two months for the suspensions to come through and we're not happy about it," said Hamble secretary Matt Newbold.

Hamble take a break from league football tomorrow to travel to Eastleigh in the Hampshire Senior Cup.