Tonbridge face Ryman League, Premier Division leaders Bognor Regis with manager Steve McKimm full of admiration for his opposite number.

Rocks boss Jamie Howell lost four key men in the summer but has led his side to the top of the table.

McKimm, whose team are ninth, is expecting a tough game at Longmead on Saturday.

He said: “Jamie’s a good manager. He lost four massive players but just seems to get new ones in.

“They’re Southampton-esque in that they lose their best players but manage to churn new ones out.

“It’s testament to Jamie and his management team that after losing two strikers who scored 70-plus goals between them, a centre-half and, I think, a centre-midfielder, that they’re top of the league. It’s remarkable.

“I spoke to him on Tuesday. I have a good relationship with him. I want to beat him but we’ll have a beer after the game.”

Sonny Miles goes into hospital for a shoulder operation today (Friday) and is expected to be out for about two months, with on-loan Welling defender Mitchell Nelson taking his place.