THE 2017/18 football season kicks off for Newport and Cowes Sports tonight (Tuesday).
In the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division, Newport travel to Hamble Club, while Cowes Sports welcome Sholing to Westwood Park.
Both matches kick off at 7.45pm.
Steve Hunt will take charge of Cowes in a competitive match for the first time.
The former Aston Villa, Coventry and West Bromwich Albion winger, who won two caps for England, told the CP he was excited about the challenge.
He said: “This is a new ball game for me, but that is why I took it on.
“Since moving to the Island I’ve only coached young players, so this is a little different but it’s exciting.
“The players’ commitment and attitude has been spot on.
“We need stability this year but there is a real buzz around and we want to keep that going.”
East Cowes Vics get their season under way in Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League against New Milton Town on Saturday.

See Friday's County Press for match reports and photos.