Hampton & Richmond Borough defender Dean Inman has admitted dropping down a league was not in his plan but has vowed to make sure the Beavers bounce back in style

The Whitton-based 21-year-old, contracted to the club until the end of next season, was the subject of some transfer speculation over the summer but has since nailed his colours firmly to the Hampton mast.

Inman captained the Beavers during Wednesday’s 5-0 friendly thumping from League One Brentford, which featured new first team signings Josh Webb and Max Hustwick.

“You go on holiday in the summer and in the back of your head you’re thinking I’ve got come back and play in the league below,” he said.

“It is not the best place to be but we did it to ourselves and we have to take the consequences.

“There were a couple of approaches from other clubs this summer, but once they found out I was still under contract they backed away and it is all done with now.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season and hopefully I can be a vital part of pushing us back up.

“We know it is going to be a battle but I am up for it and I’ll make sure the other 10 players in the team are too.”

Former Kingstonian and Lewes defender Hustwick and ex-Reading trainee Webb started against the Bees on Wednesday, which saw the Beavers concede five goals in 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, potential target Alan Bray, released by Sutton United last season, came off the bench after the break as Hampton kept a clean sheet in the second half.

Their arrival followed news defender Neil Jenkins and Joe Turner had signed up for another season at the Beveree and Inman was pleased how the squad was taking shape.

“Brentford was a good first run but the next few games against the likes of Sutton United and Ashford Town will give us a better idea of where we are,” he added.

“The signings the manager has made have already shown they have what it takes to step up this season.

“And with the squad we have I wouldn’t be happy if we didn't go straight back up.”

Hampton have added Premier League Queens Park Rangers, who will visit the Beveree on August 4, to their list of pre-season friendlies.