BASINGSTOKE RFC chairman of playing Steve Parker believes the future is bright for the club and they will bounce back from what has to have been their worst ever season.

‘Stoke had started the campaign newly relegated from National Three London, but with high hopes of competing near the top of London One South.

It started well, with four wins in the first five games, but ’Stoke were soon derailed, being docked 15 points for playing an ineligible player under a false name.

This was in their first away game of the season against Guildford, ironically the only game they lost in the first five.

This was to rock the club and as the campaign rolled on, most of the first team left.

Second, third and even fourth team players had to be drafted into the line-up and ’Stoke enjoyed their final success of the campaign with a narrow win in their first game of 2015.

As the season came to a close, the side was forced to concede a couple of away games and in their final game last Saturday, ‘Stoke lost 90-7 at Dover. Sam Turner scored their try, with Karl Bruce converting.

The players who pulled on the first team shirts battled on bravely, but for the second year running, the club has been relegated.

Now the rebuilding starts, with the club hoping to announce a new head coach in the next couple of weeks. He will be charged with steering the club to success in London Two South West next season.

Parker said: “We have had some very high calibre candidates for the post, which was very pleasing. We have to shut the door on this season and move on.

“I am proud of the players who were called into the team and pulled on the shirts.

“They gave their all, but London One South is a tough league, as we found out. They will have gained from the experience.

“Havant were like us a few years ago and look where they are. We can do the same.

“We will be actively recruiting in the summer and I am sure some of the old players will return. The future is bright for this club.”