SUPERMARINE star Darren McCluskey insists he will stay put at Hunts Copse, despite rumours that he had left the club in protest at the appointment of Tom Saunders as manager.

There is 'history' between the pair following McCluskey's brief spell at Chippenham two seasons ago when the defender gave away a injury-time penalty in the crucial Western Division clash with Halesowen.

The spot-kick was converted to earn the Midlanders a 2-2 draw and they went on to pip Saunders' Chippenham to the title.

McCluskey promptly left in acrimonious fashion after that one substitute appearance.

The announcement that the pair would be reunited last weekend sparked rumours that the Marine defender, who is not on contract, would walk out.

The 27-year-old admits the thought had crossed his mind, but after 'clear the air talks', he is ready to commit himself to the cause.

"When I heard Tom was taking over I was going to leave, what with everything that happened at Chippenham" he said.

"But I've spoken to him to clear the air and I'm willing to give it another chance and give him another chance."

Ironically, Marine travel to Halesowen for Saunders' first game in charge tomorrow.

The new manager also played down talk of a rift, and is set to hand McCluskey the skipper's armband in the absence of Giles Harris.

He said: "There is no problem with Darren and he will be my captain at Halesowen.

"The spirit at training on Tuesday was brilliant with all the players and when I spoke to them they were quite confident of beating Halesowen."

Saunders also confirmed that he will not be ringing the changes many had anticipated.

That means Marine are likely to continue playing with wing-backs despite the boss' preference for a more rigid formation.

He said: "I like playing 4-4-2 but it's way too soon for me to start making changes and interfere with systems.

"As far as I'm concerned we couldn't have asked for a bigger baptism of fire than Halesowen away."

Andy Grainge is likely to return in defence, with Chris Copp pushed out to wing-back and Dave Toomey reverting to a more advanced role.

Hamstring victims Dave Gee and Dave Slattery face fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Toomey and Justin Miller are being courted by Clevedon and Paulton respectively, though both are on contract.