BOURNEMOUTH have been rocked ahead of their National Three South West curtain raiser with captain Alan Manning set for an entire season on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old, who was ever present for Lions last season, snapped his Achilles tendon while playing in Sam Yarwood's memorial match during pre-season.

Manning cashed in on his private health insurance to get immediate surgery but doctors have informed him that he is unlikely to return, even to light training, for at least four months.

Head coach Will Croker admitted the absence would inevitably have an adverse affect on his squad but revealed he would try to soften the blow by keeping the talisman of more than 200 appearances involved.

Croker told the Daily Echo: "Losing Alan at this stage is a real kick in the teeth. He was looking as sharp as I had seen him in a long time and in himself, was so excited about taking on this new challenge.

"He received a static ball, someone tackled him and he went down badly. We estimate it will be a minimum of four months before he can begin light jogging, six before he is likely to be considered and in reality, he could miss the entire season.

"From a playing perspective, we are blessed with some good tight-heads. Luca Firetto is the natural choice and behind him we have Tigran Khamoian and Ryan Hughes who are very good there.

"Of course, it is a big blow but we are lucky to have good cover. It is as much about what Alan brings off the pitch. He has been at the club a long time and is a figurehead for us.

"He was one of the guys who rolled up his sleeves when it looked like we could slide down another league last season. Along with other senior players and some good coaches, he played a massive part in galvanising the group.

"We are hoping to keep him around. We have asked him to get involved with some analysis work and the mentoring of players because he is a tremendous asset just to have round the place."

Isle of Wight-based hooker Ben Allman, who has National League experience with Amersham & Chiltern, is one of three fresh faces added on the eve of the big kick off at Dings Crusaders tomorrow (2.30pm).

"Ben is good mates with Joe Rees, who has taken over as captain," added Croker. "Amersham wanted to pay for him commute but he decided he wanted to be more local, which was great for us.

"He is a hugely positive guy, a great communicator who has had a big impact already. He is a real coup for us."

Anthony Fitch has returned to the club having spent time in Canada and will ease his way back in by starting out with the second XV.

Colly Kapaiwai, a winger with the Army's sevens team, has also signed, while Croker's brother James, formerly director of rugby at Oakmeadians and Basingstoke, has joined as senior coach.

Lions: (from) Osborne, Allman, Firetto, Christopher, Soden, Kochanowski, Warwick, Rees, Hancox, Parsons, Roberts, Chislett, Higgins, Chandler, Sutherland, Fraser, Bailey, Veneroso.