Di Paola warns of more departures as four sign

The Hornets are building from the back having signed four of last year’s title-winning defenders - Ash Jones, Charlie Farmer, Mark Knee and Alex Duncan - offset by one departure, with more expected.

Striker Evan Archibald has made the switch to last year’s title rivals Eastbourne Town and more could be set to follow.

Di Paola has also revealed he has two new players committed, but is holding off on announcing them until he has finalised the plans of last year’s players.

He said: “I want to give as many of the boys from last year as possible a chance. I have spoken to all of them and I hope we will get a positive from the majority of them, but one or two of them I am sure will get other offers, better money or another option.

“A few are up in the air, a few are pretty positive, we’ll just have to wait and see. We have got two new ones committed, but I do not want to announce them just yet, I am not going to be shouting from the rooftops.

“Next week we are going to get as many signed on from last year and then go from there. We are going to need quite a few new additions and they could come a bit further down the line.

“People have intimated they might be going, but have not given a definite answer, so there is no point me commenting on that. I just want to know where I stand with the rest of them, then I can start putting players in place.”

Archibald has become the second player to leave the club follow in Kev Keehan footsteps to remain in the SCFL.

He has made the decision to sign for Town as he lives locally and cannot commit to the increased travel in the Ryman League.

Di Paola said: “He has to travel miles to play for us; a four-hour round trip. That combined with away travel and the offer he has got, it’s a no-brainer.

“I knew last season the likelihood of him staying was slim, even if we didn’t go up. It’s shame as he was good for us last year, he scored some important goals and was another one with a point to prove.

“Money does sometimes talk and I know there were a lot of factors, be I do not blame him. There were a lot of factors and he gets our best wishes.

“You just have to realise, you cannot keep everyone and have to accept that.”

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