INFINITY manager Jody Hoare won’t be “resting on his laurels” as the Puma Engineering Hampshire Premier League Division One champions prepare for life in the county top-flight.

After gaining promotion to the Hampshire Premier Division recently, Hoare has started plotting an ambitious top-five finish next term.

At one point Infinity’s potential promotion hung in the balance, but it was finally given the go ahead with their facilities passed fit for action, writes Peter Howard.

Now, the Knowle Village-based club is abuzz, as Hoare begins building his team for the new campaign.

“Gaining promotion to the premier league was our aim at the start of last season’s campaign, so achieving that was a huge boost to the club,” said Hoare, who also announced the capture of ex-Portsmouth and Doncaster player Stuart Doling to work within the coaching set-up.

“As far as next season goes we are an ambitious side with an abundance of talented players, so we are hopeful of a top five finish,” Hoare added.

“However, being realistic a finish in the top ten wouldn’t be a disaster – especially considering there are some top sides in the Premier League.

“Next season will be a test, I’m expecting Hamble Club to be one of the favourites to retain the title, but Otterbourne will be there or there abouts as well.

“I also think Bush Hill will strengthen and be up there next season.”

Work is already well underway to perfect their playing surface at their village ground.

Saints’ head groundsman Andy Gray was called in to do a full inspection of the surface.

“We have been working heavily behind the scenes gathering funds and resources to get Knowle Sports Ground ready for step seven,” explained Hoare.

“Nikki Oliver at Wickham Parish Council has been instrumental in getting all this in place.

“So far we have had the pitch treated with fertilizer and weeding solution.

“The next step is to have 60 tonnes of topsoil put down and the whole surface re-seeded.”

Infinity’s revamp doesn’t reach to just the pitch.

With a trial day on June 24 at Netley Recreation Ground (7pm), Hoare is looking to bolster his squad.

“We have managed to secure some real quality players for the coming season to help push for a top five place,” explained Hoare.

“We’ve also retained key players like Wade Wilson and Sam Floyd as well as Tommy Stringer and Shane Sims.”