COLIN Hopkins admits he will be tinkering with his Downton squad when they look for a change in fortune at Team Solent tomorrow (3pm).

The Wick Lane manager is taking his side to Southampton, with securing a first victory and climbing out of the bottom two on the matchday agenda.

The Robins head into the match following back-toback defeats in Wessex Division One, picking up just two points from their five openers, only finding the net on three occasions.

But Hopkins is hopeful things will improve as part of “long-term” plans the club has in store.

He told the Journal: “Our issue so far this season is a lack of goals scored despite creating numerous opportunities to do so in many games. And I will be making some changes to our formation plus the personnel for Team Solent tomorrow to improve.

“Although we need to win games I cannot fault the effort and commitment of my squad, plus what is being built at Downton FC is a very sustainable long-term model and, with a few additions to the the current crop of players, results will improve.

“I am also confident of new signings in the next few weeks to strengthen the squad, but am astonished at the high sums of money being paid to players by some clubs and managers, which in my opinion does not create loyalty for the right reasons.

“There are many projects ongoing this season, one of the long-term ones is developing younger players in conjunction with Dave Savage and Mike Easterbook, who manage the reserves.”