Mob rule coming to the Mid-Solent League?

Mid-Solent League action in 2019/20 betwee Carberry (red/black) v Portchester Rovers. Mob Albion hope to be taking their place in the league next season. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Alex Bone will be involved with Mob Albion, a totally new team who are aiming to play in the Mid-Solent League in 2020/21.

Bone managed both Liss and Clanfield in the HPL, and in early 2019 was appointed first team coach at Petersfield Town in the Wessex League. He has also coached at US Portsmouth.

‘What started out on a WhatsApp group about three weeks ago quickly grew into something seri-serious, and now it’s grown into something that’s happening,’ said Bone.

‘All the players are in their late 20s, early 30s - some have played at a higher level.

‘Some of them have been with me at my previous clubs - I’ve been at most of the clubs on the A3 corridor!

‘We haven’t got the commitment necessary for something like the Hampshire League, so the Mid-Solent suits us fine.

‘We’ve got families, work commitments, so not everyone is going to be able to play every weekend.

‘But we’ve got good numbers. I’ve said I’m only going to do this if everyone’s fully committed to it. I don’t want to do all the paperwork and then find out we’ve only got eight players.’

The name Mob Albion has been lifted from a Portsmouth-based five-a-side team some of the players once turned out for.

At present, Bone is looking to find a home pitch for their debut MSL season - ideally somewhere between Portsmouth and Horndean.

‘To be honest, it all depends on costs,’ he said. ‘This is all being self-funded so we’ll try and find the most cost-effective place.

‘I don’t know where we will fit into the league. Most of the players haven’t played for a few years. If we end up near the top of the league, then fantastic - but if we don’t it’s not the end of the world.’