Devonshire set to confirm Hampton's Blue Square squad (From Staines Guardian)

Devonshire set to confirm Hampton's Blue Square squad

11:29am Thursday 29th July 2010

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Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Devonshire says his men have seven days to earn a place in his Blue Square South squad next week, and is expecting to unveil seven fresh faces next week.

Devonshire, who saw defender John Scarborough join Bromley earlier this month, has seen 15 regulars quit the club over the last 12 months as the Beavers have felt the financial pinch.

Hampton were held 0-0 by Ryman League Division One South Corinthian Casuals on Wednesday, as they build up to Saturday’s flagship friendly with Neil Warnock’s QPR.

The Station Road chief, who also saw player of the year Craig Dundas join Sutton United this summer, is relishing the challenge of re-building his squad and expects the hard work to come to fruition.

“We’ll be confirming six or seven new signings next week as well as announcing all those players we have been able to retain,” he said.

“Budget constraints have meant a number of players have gone. It has been a challenge and I’m still looking at a few people, but it’s looking alright.

“I think this season will be the hardest we’ve ever had at this level, with the likes of Farnborough, Ebbsfleet, Dartford, Woking and Basingstoke throwing their weight around.

“Havant & Waterlooville have got some good pre-season results against League opposition as well, so it is going to be a decent league.”

“It is a rebuilding job, but our main aim is to get to 50 points as quickly as possible and then see what happens.”

Devonshire’s financial concerns have been given a boost with news £1.2 million-a-year from the Premier League will be shared among the 68 Blue Square clubs over the next three years.

And the club are hoping Saturday’s visit of Championship Rangers will be another money spinner to swell the club’s coffers.

“QPR are playing a friendly with Plymouth Albion on the Friday night, but they have a big squad and Neil has promised to field a strong team,” he added.

“It is all about making it a great day for the club and the fans. The pitch is in lovely condition, so it should be a good game and a good opportunity for our players to test themselves against the pros.”

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