News: Hamworthy United boss Simon Browne faces rebuild

HAMMERED: Five players leave United

HAMWORTHY United boss Simon Browne insists the door remains open for players trialling with higher ranked clubs this summer, but the Hammers chief is bracing himself for a rebuilding job at the County Ground.

Defender Greg Horlock and goalscoring midfielder Sam Lanahan will attempt to make a three division jump to Dorchester Town in the Conference South, while last season’s 22 goal top scorer Luke Burbidge trials with Southern League rivals Poole Town and Will Robinson seems set for Wimborne Town.

It leaves Browne with the daunting prospect of reconstructing a side that challenged towards the top end of the Wessex League last season, finishing 7^th despite a run of poor results in the middle of the campaign.

Browne told theonionsack: “There are players who have gone to higher clubs and I always said to the players that I would never have a problem with them going and trying to better themselves.

“What I have said to them all is if things don’t work out where they’re intending to go this season, they can come back and hopefully enjoy their football here again.

“There is an opportunity for some new faces this season though – I’ve been busy on the phone talking to lots of people and if the guys don’t come back or are looking elsewhere then there are some opportunities for people to come and play for Hamworthy.”

The Hammers kicked their pre-season schedule off with a 1-1 draw against a youthful Salisbury City side last week before losing 2-0 to Wimborne Town on Saturday, and Browne said that there were encouraging signs from his new look side.

“There were a couple of good performances there but I don’t want to say too much about players yet – I want to look at them over the next two or three games and from there I’ll start making a list of lads who are capable of playing at our level.

“There were a couple of players that showed up quite well and I’ll keep an eye on the training and hopefully they’ll step up for us.”

Browne confirmed that Steve Whitcher had left the club, joining league rivals New Milton Town, but experienced Hammer Mike White, who will also help Wareham out in the Dorset League, has also re-signed with United.