Horsham players aren't stupid... they'll stay in shape during lockdown

The Hornets boss is confident his squad can be relied upon to keep up their fitness levels during the new enforced break from matches and group training.

By the time they return, which Di Paola hopes will be in early December, he should have the likes of Eddie D’Sane, Jack Brivio and Doug Tuck fully fit after recent injuries.

Di Paola said: “Most players will look after themselves very well, although it’s only matches that keep the boys at a certain level.

“They’re not stupid and know they need to look after themselves.

“I’m hoping this (lockdown) won’t go on beyond early December. If it then goes to regionalised tiers of lockdown, we in the south-east should be okay, but you can’t be sure about anything.

“But we’ll have good numbers to select from when we come back.”

Horsham have had a reasonable start to the season and sit ninth in the Isthmian premier as non-league football awaits its restart date.

Di Paola has welcomed Adam Westwood back as assistant manager following the departure of Ross Standen to Whitehawk.

And the manager, who has also boosted his central defensive options by recruiting Danny Dudley from Carshalton, revealed he might use the lockdown as a chance to ‘shuffle the pack’ – with players who have not getting minutes on the pitch potentially going out on loan.