CHRISTCHURCH boss Michael Cuffie insists he is pleased with the progress of his new-look team as Priory prepare for kick-off in tomorrow's Wessex League Cup tie at Fawley (7.45pm).

Cuffie, who took over the Hurn Bridge hotseat from Winchester-bound Graham Kemp in the summer, has had to contend with the departure of five key players, four of whom followed Kemp out of the exit.

Dan Thompson, Karl Yelland and hotshot Ben Osborne initially made the move while winger Sam Griffin stepped up a level to join Southern League outfit Wimborne Town.

Kemp then convinced Osborne's prolific strike partner Russell Cook - who plundered 30 goals for Christchurch last season - to join City.

Osborne and Cook scored 51 of Priory's 106 league goals last season and while Cuffie admitted their loss was “a blow”, he remained confident over his youthful side's prospects ahead of the new campaign.

Cuffie confirmed the arrival of ex-Bournemouth Poppies player Sam Purdy and midfielder Joe Meyer, formerly with Poole reserves.

Joe McGrath, a right-back who played under Cuffie at Lymington Town, has also signed, while a host of players, including Chris Speers, Billy Walker, Jack Homan and Connor Doe, step up from the reserves.

On Cook's departure, Cuffie said: “Players will play where they want to play. He originally signed for us but he knows Kempy quite well and there is no animosity there.

“It is difficult to hold on to players when people throw money their way and it is a blow to lose those goals but we are just getting on with it.

“There is a bit of a buzz about the squad and while we recognise we are a team in transition, we are telling the lads to get out and enjoy their football. It is looking quite good and I am quite optimistic.

“We have had a bit of disruption but the new lads have been keen to impress and the pre-season performances have given the existing first team boys and the whole club a real lift.”

Cuffie's only injury concern is over defender Dan Steer who faces a late fitness test.

Priory: (from) Frampton, Doe, Steer, Speers, Legg, Blackburn, Smith, Purdy, Barnes, Burden, Bernard, Saul, Hoe, Meyer, Walker, Jacobs, Frewin.