EX-SAINT Francis Benali will be seeing the light – quite literally – at Grigg Lane next Tuesday (August 30).

The popular former Saints defender will officially open the new floodlight system at Brockenhurst FC ahead of the Badgers’ Sydenhams Premier Division derby clash with Lymington Town.

The new, state-of-the-art LED floodlights, costing in the region of £35,000, were made possible by a £17,500 grant from the Premier League through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), the country’s largest funders of non-League football.

Delighted Brockenhurst chairman Stan Reid said: “You can’t imagine how much time and effort it has taken to do this. We kicked off the whole process in November last year.

“People at the club had tried to get new floodlights before but never managed to get the finances together to make it possible.

“Our old lights were so unreliable, we were always worried they were not going to come on.

“Now we’ve got new lights of the highest quality. Some are identical to the LED lights at St Mary’s and the others are only one generation behind. The spillage beyond the pitch is minimal which makes it better for our neighbours.

“This is just part of a programme to take Brockenhurst FC forward," added Reid.

“Next Tuesday is going to be a super occasion with Francis Benali there and with it being a derby against Lymington."

Brock will also use the evening to showcase their new kit, sponsored by Meadens Skoda from nearby Sway Road.

The grand unveiling of the floodlights is at 7.30pm with the match kicking off at 7.45pm.

*Funded with £5.2m each year from the Premier League, the FSIF is the country's largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower league football grounds in both the professional and amateur game.

These improvements range from new football stands and turnstiles to floodlighting and improved provision for disabled supporters.