Hayling boss Bishop’s ‘difficult weekend’ ahead of Hampshire Premier League curtain-raiser with Infinity

Hayling United boss Dan Bishop. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

‘It’s a very different problem to what I had 12 months ago,’ he said ahead of the Hayling College clash with the side that didn’t lose a Senior Division game in 2019/20.

‘Then I had 10 obvious starters, now I have 22 players who could arguably all play in the first team.

‘There’s going to be some very disappointed players, but that’s a credit to the squad.’

Bishop has introduced only a few new faces into a squad which had won eight HPL games in a row prior to lockdown - the longest winning run by any HPL top flight side last term.

Midfielder Josh Watts and ex-Fareham defender Dan Clasby will be in the squad to face Infinity, while teenager Ronnie Clarke could also feature.

‘Ronnie’s only 17,’ said Bishop. ‘But you wouldn’t think it - he’s got a touch of class and a bit of bite. He’ll get first team minutes this season.’

New keeper Joe Boxall has impressed in friendlies, but Chris Clark remains first choice.

‘The squad worked very hard last season and they’ve come back with an equally brilliant attitude,’ said Bishop..

‘I trust them - I love their attitude, I love how hard they work, I love the fact they listen.

‘I saw no need to rip it up this summer and start again.’

Bishop added: ‘One mistake I might have made in pre-season is never fielding what I think is our strongest team.

‘But that’s given me a chance to look at different combinations, different partnerships.

‘It’s a shame we’re playing Infinity so early on, I don’t know if that’s a good thing - they’re still going to feel aggrieved about not going up.

‘I know they’ve lost their manager and a few players, but they will still be strong.

‘Fleetlands look stronger, Paulsgrove definitely look stronger, and Clanfield will be a team to watch.

‘Moving to Westleigh Park will give them extra motivation and they will certainly attract good players on the back of it.’

Hayling will face Infinity without skipper Elliott Spencer, who suffered a rib injury in training.