Romsey Town manager James Phillips has confirmed eight players that will lead his side to, what he hopes is, a promotion season in the Sydenhams Division One.

The Bypass Ground side were relegated from the Wessex Premier last term and are looking to bounce straight back up.

And the 21-year-old manager, who took charge of Romsey after co-bosses Carl Bennett and John McFarlane departed, had the nice headache of having to trim his squad after 40 players turned-out for pre-season training.

He’s completed that task ahead of the friendly against Stockbridge on Saturday (3pm).

While Phillips admits there will be further rotation between the club’s development side and first team, he’s already selected eight players that he feels will have a big say for Romsey this coming season.

So far Phillips, right, has Gareth Schultze, once a youth player at Eastleigh, who will fill the goalkeeper’s berth.

He will be protected by the defence – so far – of right back Brad Walsh, also of Spitfires youth fame, left back Dan Parker, who recently signed from Folland Sports, and right back/centre half from Lymington Town, Jay Congo.

The only remaining player from last season’s torrid campaign is Dom Collicott, who makes up part of the midfield.

Town’s midfield also includes former AFC Totton and Eastleigh youngster Josh Harvey and ex-Lymington Town Josh Ramsey as central players.

The attacking responsibility lands on fellow new signings Pedro Carvalho and fresh arrival Indrit Elezi, signed from fellow Wessex One side Ringwood Town, who will be one of the strikers.

Phillips also revealed that a new signing is imminent from Slough Town but refused to give details until the deal was complete.

The young manager is now eager to see how his side fares at Stockbridge.

He said: “I want the players to go out and enjoy playing.

“This is the first opportunity to get a look at what the squad we’ve put together can do.

“We’ve cut the squad and I’m glad we’ve got that done, I’m happy with what I’ve got to use. We’ll be keeping tabs on the squad to see if we’ve missed any hidden gems in the development squad.”

Romsey’s development side will be in action at Lyndhurst tomorrow.