Sidley hungry for success

Former joint manager Glen Sully questioned the application of certain members of the squad after resigning towards the end of last season but a few weeks off seems to have rekindled their enthusiasm for the task at hand.

Laskey, who last season led the reserves to a magnificent third place in a strong Reserve Section Premier that included Eastbourne Borough, Burgess Hill and Lewes, joins Peter Heritage at the helm and is optimistic ahead of the new Sussex Division One campaign.

He said: "I would say it's been excellent. If people have not been there they have phoned and let us know. There's been getting on for 30 at most training sessions and I couldn't question the attitude of anyone. They've trained hard and from what I've seen some of them seem to be a bit hungrier."

Four new faces have arrived at Gullivers over the summer. The pick of the bunch is undeniably former St Leonards and Hastings Town (now United) defender Mat Ball who is about to return to the area from Manchester.

Brad Poole is also back with the Blues to leave the club with an embarrassment of riches at the back. Chris Scott has returned to bolster the midfield after the retirement of Paul Balch while ex-Hastings goalkeeper Rob Wiley will provide James Duffell, Danny Poole and Matt Shoesmith with competition for the number one jersey.

The only major sour note is the departure of magical attack minded teenager Shae Spreafico who is off to university. Russell Eldridge and Graham Morris have decided to try their luck at Hastings.

Laskey continued: "We are definitely no weaker than last year and our defence is going to be stronger than last year. Mat Ball will make a big difference because we have got someone bossing it at the back.

"Obviously we want to do better than last year. Peter (Heritage) thinks we are a top five side and I'm quite confident if everyone plays well we are a top five side. We've got the players there to do very well indeed."

A testing start awaits United as they visit Shoreham on Saturday August 16 before travelling to neighbours St Leonards on Wednesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.