CHICHESTER OBSERVER PREVIEW OF CITY'S SEASON

CITY have made headlines for all the wrong reasons since 'Cutlergate' first broke in April, but the club have been boosted by a successful appeal to the FA and the return of ten points previously deducted  by the Sussex County League.

After a season of transition at Oaklands Park, Adie Girdler and Dave Kelly are targeting a top-six finish, but they will have to finda way to stop leaking the goals that hurt them last term.

In Hardwell and McCoy, the squad have been shorn of two of their finest assets but Girdler believes new signing Aiden Bryan - who featured for the Isle of Wight in June's Island Games - and the emerging Joe briggs will prove more than adequate replacements.

Off the field redelopment work commences on August 17 with completion expected by May 2010.

Pre-season held plenty of promise with fine displays against Moneyfields (0-0), Christchurch (2-1) and Brading (1-1), tempered only by a home defeat by Hayling United (0-1).

Players In: James Hider (Selsey), Jack James (Hayling United), James Searle (Fareham Town), Aiden Bryan (Cowes Sports).

Players Out: Russell Hardwell, Tom Foster (both Arundel), Gary Oliver (Hayling United), Barry McCoy.