Gale still looking for new signings ahead of Gosport’s Southern League opener at Chesham

The Buckinghamshire side were second in the Southern League Premier South when last season was abandoned due to Covid-19.

They were just a point behind leaders Truro City and harbouring high hopes of promotion.

Borough were eighth when the season was brought to a premature end, but had played more games than all their play-off rivals.

Former Hawks boss Gale replaced Lee Molyneaux at the start of the summer and has re-jigged parts of the team.

Earlier this week he completed the signing of much-travelled striker Elliott Charles and brought in Pompey pair Eoin Teggart and Gerard Storey on loan.

He had previously signed 6 ft 8 defender Matt Casey after he was released by Portsmouth.

Even at this late stage Gale has pledged in bring in more reinforcements ahead of their first league game since March 7.

'We have been racked by injuries during pre-season and need to strengthen further,' he said.

'I am looking to bring in two more experienced players and possibly a third in time for this game.

'If I can get them then they will be a couple of big players.

'We have some important games coming up and it will be good to get them in, even if they are only short-term deals

'There are a number of good kids in our squad and we will feed them in throughout the season.

'In the Southern League, however, you can't do it with just kids and have to have a degree of experience in your side.

'Chesham will be very tough opponents and are a side that have been together for a while.

'We didn't do very well up there last season and I am looking for a much better performance.

‘I am expecting us to go and show that we mean business.

'That is what we must be prepared for.'

Influential midfielder Mike Carter is a huge doubt suffering with an achilles problem and Theo Lewis has a hamstring injury.

Casey has a small fracture in his foot but could be available if the swelling goes down in time.

Gale has a sense of optimism about Borough's prospects ahead of their fourth season back in the Southern League.

'Like all managers at the start of any season, I want to aim high,' he said.

'I believe the club is in a really good position, off the field as well as on it.

'At the start our ambition is to win the league and certainly make the play-offs.

'The biggest challenge is keeping our players fit.

'If we can do that then I believe we have the squad to do well.’