AFC TOTTON boss Steve Hollick is hoping the ‘Le Tiss’ feel-good factor will get the Testwood Stadium turnstiles clicking for Saturday’s Southern One South & West showdown with leaders Cinderford Town.

There has been a real buzz around the club this week following news of the Stags’ link-up with Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching (MLTNC) that will see ex-Saint Pele running Totton’s under-16s next term.

That and a top-notch game in prospect against a quality Cinderford side means fans have much to look forward to.

“We’ve been talking to MLTNC for a while now and it was nice to finally be able to announce it,” said Hollick.

“It shows the club is making strides to where it wants to be.

“Pele's a top guy and we’re lucky to get him.

“It’ll be interesting in the long-term to see if the link-up encourages parents etc. to come and watch our games.

“Our under-16s manager Malc Callaway will be moving up an age-group with his team next season so we’ll have an under-18s side again.”

Totton were well beaten 3-0 at Cinderford back in September.

The Stags are a different proposition these days, having lost just one of their last eight games, but it’s no surprise to Hollick that the Gloucestershire outfit are lording it at the top.

“We’ve had some really good games against Cinderford over the last couple of years,” he said. “They’ve got a squeaky-clean defence and their two up top, Ethan Moore and Lee Smith, are a handful.

“But we’ll go into the game with confidence. We did well against Evesham (a 2-2 home draw) and there’s no reason we can’t do it against Cinderford if we can keep their front boys quiet.

“Hopefully we’ll get a load of people in for this one.”

With coach Dave Rowland and goalkeeping coach Jamie Cotton (now of Petersfield Town) having left the club and head coach Lee Burch due another leg operation today, Hollick will be assisted on Saturday by experienced left-back Marc Diaper, who is currently injured.

Hollick is also grateful to have Southampton Solent University student Josh Ward around to add his strength and conditioning expertise.

“Josh is under James Grant (associate lecturer in the school of sport, health and social sciences) at Solent and he’s been brilliant,” said Hollick. “The lads have really bought into the sports science bit.”