PORTLAND United boss Brendon King says that for the ‘first time in quite a few years’ he is excited for the season ahead, as he prepares to lead his Blues side into their first match of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division season at AFC Stoneham tomorrow (3pm).

The Blues face a side that got promoted into the league after winning the Sydenhams Wessex Division One last season, but King knows he has got a strong squad.

King told Echosport: “I think for the first time in quite a few years I am quite excited about the season coming ahead, with the squad we have got.

I think it is a very strong squad we have got at the moment.

“If we can keep everyone together I think that is going to be the most difficult part.

“We’re obviously trying to keep everybody happy, but we have got youth and experience so hopefully we can do that and we look forward to having a good season.”

King had kind words for opponents AFC Stoneham, as he said: “They are a very good side.

“So that is why we played Hythe & Dibden as well, because Hythe just missed out on promotion.”

Ed Bastick, Shaun Bessant, Max Buckler and Crit Clarke are all set to be missing from Portland’s squad for the trip to Stoneham, with all four unavailable for the clash.