Selsey want to do more than survive this season

Adam Hinshelwood’s side begin the new Sussex League first-division season at home to Horsham YMCA on Saturday aware they were too close for comfort to the relegation zone for much of last season.

The return of striker Rob Wimble from Midhurst should help their goal tally while Kieran Urquhart has joined from Wick - although Urquhart is now out for six weeks with a stress fracture of his foot.

With Omar Bugiel and Callum Britton both finding their way back to fitness after broken legs suffered last season, the Blues are hoping they’re not in for another injury-plagued campaign.

Hinshelwood said: “Pre-season has gone pretty well, although we’ve had the usual problem you expect at this level with struggles to get your whole squad available.

“Those players who have turned out for every training session have worked hard and are looking fit.

“We’ve brought Rob back from Midhurst and hope he’ll score a lot of goals for us - he’s a proven scorer at this level. And hopefully Kieran will give us something extra when he’s fit. And we still hope to bring in one or two more.”

Luke Kilner has switched to Chichester but the rest of last season’s key players are still at the High Street Ground.

Hinshelwood said: “Last season we kept our heads above water and we want to build on that this year and sit higher up the table. We must be realistic - we’re not going to be challenging for the title. But a good stable league campaign and a cup run or two would be excellent.”

After Saturday’s home opener, the Blues host East Preston next Tuesday then head to Alton Town for an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie on Saturday week.

STEVE BONE