Infinity boss delighted to have kept nucleus of side that was unbeaten in 2019/20 Hampshire Premier League

There had been fears a lot of players would follow manager Danny Thompson out of the exit door when the FA’s null and void decision dashed their dream of promotion to the Wessex League.

But so far only three players have left - Kurt Watts and Charlie Cooper to Baffins (where Thompson is now assistant manager) and goalkeeper Tom Boyle to East Grinstead.

Cooper only made one league start for Infinity last season, though, while Watts only made eight.

Boyle only missed two of the club’s 24 HPL matches, but Wheatcroft appears happy to go with youngster Kieran Webster and Simon Parker in 2020/21.

Both those shot-stoppers made one league appearance last term when Boyle was unavailable.

Boyle has jumped up three tiers of the pyramid with his switch to Isthmian South East Leaguers East Grinstead.

The Sussex club, however, were thankful of the FA’s null and voiding of steps 3-7.

Playing in the same division as Chichester City, they were rock bottom of the table with just one win and 10 points from 26 games when the season was halted in mid-March.

Wheatcroft has so far made two new signings - Barry McCoy, a centre half who played under him at Arundel, and left midfielder Bobby Lamb.

McCoy, 39, has a wealth of experience having also played for Chichester City, Badshot Lea, Guildford City, Farnborough Town, Bisley and Wokingham. He also had spells at Aldershot Town and Wycombe Wanderers during his younger days but never made a professional appearance.

Lamb made eight starts for Folland Sports in Division 1 of the Wessex in 2019/20.

Prior to that, he was a regular when Hamble Club won promotion from the second tier of the HPL in 2013/14 and then claimed the top flight title the following season.

‘We’ll have a good side,’ Wheatcroft stated.

‘The nucleus of last season’s team has stayed.’

That includes the four players who between them struck 102 goals in all competitions.

Jamie White led the way with 41 followed by Andrew Powell (21), Wayne Boud (20) and Danny Phillips (20).

White - who has belted 91 goals in the last two seasons for Infinity - has lost two stone during lockdown and, according to his boss, ‘is looking well.’