Gosport Borough boss Gale delighted with his recruitment so far ahead of first pre-season friendly at Fareham

Now it’s a case of making sure the players are firing on it whenever the Southern Premier League South season may start.

The former Havant manager welcomed his squad back for training at the end of last month after being appointed as Lee Molyneaux's replacement earlier in the summer.

Gale has so far signed Dan Wooden, Brad Tarbuck, Jordan Rose, Joe Lea, Pat Suraci and Aaran McCreadie, and recruited ex-Hawk Ryan Young as a goalkeeper coach.

But he is not settling for what he's got as he seeks another 'two or three' additions and is also hoping to appoint a new number two next week.

‘We’ve got some really good players and we’ve been able to sign some players on a lot lesser budget than what they’ve had before,' Gale revealed.

‘That’s just the climate. I’m pleased with the group I’ve got so far, but I’d like to add a couple more.

‘The group and the people I’ve got around me are good.’

Ben Kneller - who was part of Molyneaux’s backroom team - is also staying at Privett Park to help with continuity.

‘Ben’s a great lad and a real asset to the football club with what he brings to me.

‘But I need someone who can coach. Ben doesn’t really do that, that’s nothing against him because he’s got some really good strengths - he’s going to head up our scouting stuff as well as being around the first team all the time.

‘I need someone else who can coach with me and I think I’ve nailed that person.'

Gosport begin their pre-season programme at Wessex League Premier outfit Fareham on Saturday.

It's the first of seven friendlies Borough have between now and September 12 - the Southern League season could well start the week after.

Gale is not expecting too much from his squad at Cams Alders, with most having not played a game since the middle of March.

‘It's been good and I’m really enjoying it,' he added.

'The lads have responded really well.

‘It’s slightly difficult at the moment still not knowing and with no league start date.

‘It’s difficult times for everyone in that respect but we’ve just got on with it.

‘My focus is trying to get us fit and ready to be able to come out the blocks flying when the league starts.

‘It’s nice to be able to go into a game on Saturday.

‘I’m not looking for too much in it, just allowing the players to get some minutes under their belt.'