AFC TOTTON boss Steve Riley is at long last feeling upbeat about the club’s future ahead of tomorrow’s trial match at Testwood School (1-3pm).

After enduring months of uncertainty about the Stags’ future, Riley believes things are finally looking up for the cash-strapped Southern Premier Division outfit following the appointment of a new interim executive committee.

Given the extent of Totton’s debts, Riley will be operating on a much-reduced budget next term and already quality players like Mike Gosney, Jono Davies, Carl Pettefer, Ross Bottomley, Gareth Barfoot and Jamie Whisken have found new clubs while midfielder James Coutts is off to Australia.

But several first-team players – Nathaniel Sherborne, Ryan Hill, Dave Allen, Luke Whitley and Jack Odam among them – are still with the Stags and Riley is confident that, with a few additions, he can assemble a competitive side.

“I’ve had lots of emails from players, including some who were at the club last season, and anyone who’d like to try and play at Southern Premier standard is more than welcome to come along to the trial game tomorrow,” said Riley.

“I’m up for this challenge and there are lots of positives coming out of the club now. New people have come in and there have been lots of positive meetings about the way forward and lots of fund-raising ideas. “I’m more optimistic than I was.”

Riley, right, who is himself organising a 70/80s disco night on July 27 (7pm), added: “Everyone is working really hard to move the club forward and it’s good to see the committee, members and supporters getting things done, things that should have been done in January this year. “People are getting motivated and tackling the problems head on and it’s rubbing off on everyone else.

“We’ve got a manager and coaches’ meeting planned for next week and (assistant manager) Chris Ferrett and I will be looking to get a side together who can compete at this level. “I’m sure there will be players available. “I’ve spoken to the lads who haven’t left the club already and there are people with the club at heart who want to stick with it.”

Totton have announced season ticket prices for their forthcoming Calor Southern Premier Division campaign.

Until Saturday, July 20, fans can purchase them at early bird rates offering adult tickets for the knock-down price of £100 which, with 23 league matches scheduled, works out at just £4.35 per game.

From July 21, the cost of an adult season ticket will revert to the normal price of £160.

Other early bird offers are £60 for over-65s and students (£90 from July 21), £20 for under-16s (£45 from July 21) and £100 adult and child (£160 from July 21).

Further details and an application form can be found at www.afctotton.com