BOSS Matty Holmes vowed not to panic buy after Wimborne Town’s promotion to step three had finally been rubber-stamped.

The Cuthbury club will feature in the newly-formed Southern League South next season after Shaw Lane’s withdrawal from the Northern League Premier Division had a knock-on effect around the country.

Appeals from Banbury United, Hednesford Town and Fleet Town over the league allocation were rejected at an FA hearing on Monday, meaning Magpies were given the green light to make the step up.

While he admitted he had been “seriously looking” for two new faces ahead of the new campaign, Holmes insisted any recruits had to be the right fit.

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s a difficult situation – a nice one to be in with going up. Now it has been confirmed, we have to take it on the chin and get on with it.

“All along I said I wanted to stick with the players who got us up, so it’s not a matter of trying to get in a load of new players to tackle a harder division.

“But I am aware I do need two bodies in, which we are seriously looking for.

“People and players now know we are in Southern League South, which takes you on to a new level in terms of recruitment.

“Locally, there are players around but they have to be the right fit and come into our system to play. If we have to be picky, we have to be picky.”

Holmes revealed he had looked to agree deals with two new players but had not been prepared to break the bank.

He said: “The two players we made offers to, it wasn’t enough money for them and they are staying put.

“One of them is in a lower league, which shows you what we are up against and what we have to do.

“You can’t go and get players in and offer money when you take gambles. You would rather stick with the players you have and give them an opportunity.

“You can’t panic. If we have to start the season a centre-back short we will put in a player we know can do a job in that position, who is not specialised, but knows how we play.”

Magpies’ pre-season schedule has also been disturbed by the confirmed promotion.

Friendlies against league rivals Weymouth, Dorchester and Gosport have been cancelled.

Wimborne have however managed to arrange a home fixture against Cherries’ under-18s on Saturday, July 28 (3pm).

“It’s never really been heard of, your pre-season is normally planned at the end of May,” added the Cuthbury boss.

“It has been a bit of a pain trying to get new games in but it hasn’t worked out too badly overall. The promotion we are still really pleased about.”

Wimborne’s league fixtures will be revealed on Thursday, July 19.