Manager Adrian Hill has ruled out the possibility of summer signings to strengthen newly-promoted Epsom & Ewell.

Epsom won a place in the new Ryman League Division One South after finishing in the top six in Division Three last season.

Hill is putting his faith in the players who won Epsom their first promotion for nearly two decades, even though his team will be pitted against much bigger clubs like Tooting & Mitcham, Dulwich Hamlet and Carshalton Athletic.

"It's only right I give the players who got us into this division a chance next season," said Hill.

"I've been very impressed with the players since I came back from the summer break.

"They've only been back since June 25, but they already want to do extra training.

"That tells me they all want to do well for Epsom and for themselves in the new league."

The one player who might have joined Epsom, former Carshalton striker Kevin Lock, 22, has not been in touch about the possibility of returning to Merland Rise.

"I spoke to Kevin at the end of his loan spell and told him that I would be interested in signing him if things didn't work out at Carshalton," said Hill.

"I haven't heard from him and I think he's keeping his options open."

Realistically, Epsom's first priority will be to ensure they stay in the division.

Hill admits: "We won't win it because there are bigger and better teams.

"But we want to stay there. Our target is to finish as high up the table as we possibly can.

"The club is trying to do all the right things. We're optimistic about this season and the future."

Epsom's first pre-season friendly is at Horsham YMCA on July 27.

July 12, 2002 11:00