THEY seldom come more loyal than Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ homegrown captain.

Jack Slade has witnessed the trials and tribulations in non-league football since starting at his boyhood club from the age of seven.

In the midst of the frontrunner’s long-serving spell at Western Way, he’s been involved in title challenges and feisty cup tussles amid being at the heart of a vintage Harlequins that finished in the top three in 2009/2010, 2010/11 and 2011/12.

In those times, Bemerton matched Poole Town and Wimborne Town, now both of the Southern League, like for like.

But over the last few years they’ve stumbled and subsequently tumbled down the rankings, marked by a below-par 13th finish last campaign.

Slade, 27, a painter and decorator by trade but who works as a maintenance engineer for Aspire Defence serving the British army, hopes they can dust themselves down and have a stellar first full season under Graham Kemp.

“I see the target as skipper, as I do every season, to compete at the right end of the table, and in previous seasons we have managed that bar,” said Slade, the son of chairman Steve.

“We don’t pay money, just expenses, so we have had real achievements over the last few seasons to compete with sides who are paying small fortunes.

But what we have always had is a camaraderie of team spirit which money can’t buy.”

“I am committed to the club – I have been there from age seven and not many people have loyalty anymore. I have been asked to go else where for money but it’s on my doorstep and it is a great club run by volunteers; people who generally care about the club.

“People I respect put their houses up to make this club happen.”

The departure of Ian Chalk, and Kemp coming on board to run the Harlequins, has seen a a restructure in personnel.

More than nine players have come in and seven have gone elsewhere in pursuit of other things.

Slade, who has been nursing a knee injury over the summer months to make a full recovery for the upcoming season, believes his troops have enough to stand-up against some of the big-budget sides.

He added: “I think we can compete with anyone.”

“Salisbury have signed Danny Young, Kane O’Keefe and Claudio Herbert.

"They have all been in Wessex – I’ve played with a few of them and there good players but why shouldn’t we compete?

“We have a new side but some good players have come in who are also experienced Wessex players.”

Bemerton’s fitness has been tested to the limit after a full pre-season programme, which has seen the new side adapt and gel quickly, according to the skipper.

He added: “Jim (assistant manager) and Kempy (manager) have been great.

“Jim is a great guy who has heaps of experience at pro level and knows his stuff and Kempy is a guy when your against him is a pain in the backside but great when on your side.”