Hampton's Wells looks for fresh start after suspension (From Your Local Guardian)

Hampton's Wells looks for fresh start after suspension

4:23pm Wednesday 13th January 2010 in

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Hampton & Richmond Borough skipper Dean Wells hopes his return from suspension can help the Beavers wipe the slate clean and turn their season around.

Boss Alan Devonshire’s men have slumped alarmingly towards the foot of the Blue Square South table having secured one point from their last six games.

Hampton haven’t won a league game since a 4-0 triumph over Maidenhead United helped the Beveree chief claim the October manager of the month.

Wells, set to return this week from a four-match ban after his sending off against Dorchester Town, is more used to promotion chases than relegation battles.

But he insists Hampton - who lost 4-0 at Staines Town last time they were in action on January 2 - are not looking over their shoulders and can re-start their 2010 programme on a more positive note.

“We are not in the best of form, but it is a new year and we have to make a fresh start,” he said.

“It is the only way we can approach it. We are not looking over our shoulders because we know we are good enough to get out of trouble.

“When you lose a few your confidence does dip a bit, but Alan believes in us and we believe in each other.

“We are in a strange position, it feels different. It sounds odd, but this division isn’t the strongest it has been since we’ve been in it.

“It is a bit mix and match and we know we can beat anyone.”

Hampton have two games in hand on most of their rivals for the drop and are currently four points clear of the relegation zone, with a goal difference that is far from the worst in the division.

But it is finding the net on a regular basis that has been the problem this season, although Wells says that is not through lack of effort.

“Craig Dundas has been our best player this season by a mile, but he hasn’t scored the goals his hard work deserves,” he added.

“The enforced break has helped us get back a few players from injury and suspension, which is the only positive we can take from the last fortnight.

“We’ve not been getting enough goals, so getting Ian Hodges back is a bonus because I put him up there among the best in the league. He is always likely to nick us one or two.”

Hampton’s next three games: Jan 16 Woking (a), 23 Bromley (h), 30 Chelmsford City (h).