New Wessex League role for former Baffins Milton Rovers boss Steve Leigh at Horndean

Former Baffins Milton Rovers manager Steve Leigh is the new first team coach at Horndean. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Ex-Baffins Milton Rovers boss Leigh took his first training session during the week and is happy to be back involved.

'I must admit I quite enjoyed the break but when the call from Birmy came out of the blue it was a no brainer,' said Leigh.

'I have kept myself busy watching games whilst I have been off.

'Birmy and I have known each other for a long time and have the same ideas on how football should be played.

'He has a great team of coaches at the club and the idea is to freshen things up a bit.

'What I have seen already tells me the club have a good young side who are all eager to learn and impress.

'Hopefully as a coaching team we can fine tune a few things.

'This includes becoming harder to beat and being stronger going forward.

'It is a case of finding my feet and getting to know the players and vice-versa.

'I will also be looking to make my mark with all players giving 100 per cent.

'Both my boys (Ashton and Tommy) are playing at Bognor Regis at the moment and this also gives me the flexibility to combine coaching with watching them play.'

Horndean are hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat against Westbury United in the FA Vase.

Despite their exit, Birmingham was pleased with the commitment from his injury-ravaged side.

He is expecting a hard-fought affair against the Watersiders, who are immediately below them in fifth spot.

'Blackfield have brought in a new manager and are going to be well organised,' said Birmingham.

'They don't concede a lot of goals but don't score many either.

'We just have to make sure that we get the ball down and play at a high intensity.

'At the same time we will need to be disciplined because they carry a threat at set-pieces.'

Ash Howes is suspended, following his Vase red card, but the hosts hope to have Robbie Taw, Jack Lee and Louie Martin back in contention.

New striker Jean-Pierre Alexander, signed from Bashley, is drafted straight into the squad.

Alexander netted on his Bash debut in a Wessex League Cup win against Andover New Street last month.