SHOLING have had a new year’s clearout ahead of tomorrow’s Southern One South visit of Wimborne Town.

Some of the players Dave Diaper inherited when he took back the managerial reins at the beginning of November are off to get games elsewhere.

Pacy wideman Jude Nwachukwu is dual-signing for Sydenhams Premier title chasers Blackfield & Langley, full-back Taurean Manders is joining Wessex high-fliers Whitchurch on ‘loan’ and young defender Lewis Fear is linking up with Hampshire League side AFC Stoneham.

Ex-Eastleigh striker Sam Wilson could be about to step up a level into the Southern Premier Division with Hungerford Town.

“Sam was due to train with Hungerford last night,” confirmed Diaper. “Their manager watched our game at Didcot when Sam came on as a sub and scored with his first touch.

“I don’t want Sam to leave, but it would have been wrong of me not to tell him Hungerford were interested. If he wants to progress to the Southern Premier, I’ve got no problem with that.” Discussing the Nwachukwu and Manders deals, Diaper explained: “When I took over again as manager I inherited a lot of players and, despite all our injuries, some have been on the edge of things and they need to play.

“It’s important we maintain our Southern League status and I needed to trim the playing staff a bit.

“I’m still open to giving youngsters opportunities and lads like Jess Walklin, Liam Golding and Josh Oxlade have all featured.

“Declan McCarthy has come in (from Lymington Town), but he’s only a young lad and it’s difficult because of the physicality of the Southern League. You have to get the balance right.

“Realistically, mid-table is where we’re ending up and I’ll give as many opportunities to the young ones as I can. Things may change slightly when we get senior players back, but it’s all about finding out if players are good enough for next year.”

Sholing, 17th, suffered one of their darkest nights in August when beaten 3-0 at Wimborne – a memory Diaper is keen to exorcise.

“That was a poor night for Sholing FC, we were dire, and it was one of the reasons I had to make the decision (to take charge again),” he said.

“Their chairman reminded me that night that it was the first time they’d beaten us in nine outings.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Wimborne. Steve Cuss is a good coach and man-manager and they’re a business-like, realistically run club who don’t waste money. It’s going to be a real tough game.”

TJ Cuthbertson is back available for Sholing, but Tobi Adekunle (hamstring) is doubtful and defender Pete Castle is likely to be rested.

Castle is still feeling his way back after a summer knee operation and Diaper doesn’t want to push it.

“Pete played 70 minutes down at Poole the other night and had a slight ache the next day, which is only natural. “We’ve got no midweek game and it makes sense to give him a week’s rest.”