SAADI’S AIMING TO START ALL OVER

BLACKFIELD and Langley could not be happier with a place back in the Wessex League – even if new boss Fawzi Saadi wants to get out at the first attempt.

The Watersiders climbed from the Wessex Premier to Southern League Premier Division South with back-toback league titles under previous manager Glenn Howes but life was turned upside down when benefactor Sam Davies left for Hampshire rivals AFC Totton in April.

He was followed by Howes and a number of players, while ground grading for Step 3 would also have been an issue.

The move back down two levels was confirmed by the FA this week, possibly helped by the vacancy created by Team Solent’s resignation from Step 5, but Saadi says he has been assured it is a temporary measure.

He said: “When I took the job I told the chairman I am an ambitious man. I said if I am going to take it I want to look for mid-table if we are in the Southern Premier or play to win the Wessex Premier.

“I know Wessex level and the standards, I know most of the teams and managers and while it is going to be a good challenge for us, my ambition is to go and win it.

“I asked the other day whether it would be me and the players or whether we would be backed up and the club is working on ground grading, budgets and sponsorship so it is encouraging to see.”

Saadi added: “We had hoped to get into the Wessex Premier and when Team Solent dropped out, while you never want to see that happen to a team, it was perfect timing for us.

“We had prepared for the worst-case scenario, staying in the Southern Premier, but when the decision came through we were pleased.

“It didn’t affect us too much, the base of the team was committed for whichever league, they said they would take the journey with me.

“The standard is very different of course and it is probably going to be easier to find Wessex League players, especially with the budget we have.”