Hectic first week for new boss

The former Sidley United reserve team joint boss has been frantically making telephone calls to players and possible opponents for pre-season friendlies.

Podmore said: “I’ve spoken to lots of players and most of them have said ‘I’ll see what players are there’. It’s all about waiting and finding out who’s there when we start training.”

With a win bonus but no playing budget at their disposal, Podmore and fellow joint boss Darrol Parris look as though they will preside over a fairly different Bexhill side to that which Gerard Moyse led last season.

Gordon Cuddington and Joe White have gone to fellow Sussex County League Division Two side Westfield, Andy Atkin is understood to have signed for Redhill and Bexhill are battling to keep hold of Scott McDonald.

Podmore continued: “I’m still hopeful that he (McDonald) will stay. He’s the club captain, he’s well-respected and we want him to be a big part of what we’re going to do next year. He brings a lot off the pitch as well.”

Although there have already been departures, there are sure to be a number of arrivals with several fringe/reserve team players from Sidley likely to follow Podmore and Parris to The Polegrove.

Training will begin on Tuesday from 7pm at the ground, and new and existing players are welcome. Podmore, who is still looking to add a third person to the managerial set-up, has been impressed with work done off the field.

The Polegrove Sports Bar has been completely refurbished over the last few weeks with the floor repainted, the club crest painted on the wall and 40 new chairs installed, while several sponsors have been secured.