Rooks back in training early

The Rooks' first training session was on Tuesday, where manager Kevin Keehan put his new-look team through their paces for the first time '“ as well as taking a look at some potential new additions to the squad.

The likes of ex-Eastbourne Borough midfielder Ollie Rowland took part in the session, as did former Rook Chris Greatwich and Matt Geard and Danny Davis. Keehan said one of the reasons for the early sessions was to take a look at these players before they potentially make decisions as to what clubs they will join for next season, and also to get the players already on the Rooks' books up to the fitness levels required for a predominantly full-time league.

Of the four above mentioned players, Keehan said, "They've all been in ther wilderness for a couple of years. Ollie for instance suffered a nasty injury while at Borough. But they've all been at pro clubs so they've got that pedigree, and hopefully our style of play will suit these kind of players."

Keehan confirmed he had been in talks with Albion players Gary Hart and Kerry Mayo but admitted that both players were hoping to stay in the Football League rather than join an outfit in the Blue Square South.

Keehan also revealed that keeper Stuart Robinson had been released by the club after the signing of ex-Palace 20-year-old stopper Rikki Banks. Keehan is hoping to also bring in Albion keeper Chris Winterton, meaning Robinson would have dropped to third in the pecking list.