Neal leaves Sittingbourne to find regular football - EXCLUSIVE

Striker Jon Neal has left Sittingbourne to search for regular first-team football, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bourne Park boss Steve Lovell explained EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk why the 7-goal striker has opted to leave the Ryman League Division One South club.

“He just wants a new challenge really,” he said. “He’s been at the club a few years now and last year he never really got a run out that much because of Mark (Lovell) and Lee (Browning) scoring goals.

“I don’t think it would be any different this year, so it’s best if he wants to play football regularly, to find it elsewhere (and) that’s what he’s done.”

Welshman Lovell also paid tribute to goalkeeper Steve Williams, whose decided to retire from playing due to family commitments.

He said: “He’s got family commitments and fair play to him. He’s going to put them first, which most people would.

“He can’t commit 100% to us, so he said he’ll give it a miss this year. He said he’ll help us on the coaching side, which is great.

“He will be a great asset off the field as well, helping the youngsters.”

Lovell is expected to give Williams’ understudy, Josh Willis, 18, his chance to shine next season.

He said: “If someone comes available we’ll have a look but I’m quite happy with Josh. He’s a young man but we’ve got to give him a chance.”

Lovell is close to unveiling his first summer signing, but admitted the player concerned needs to tell two other clubs that he’s going to sign for the Bourne Park outfit.

He said: “I’m not saying who it is - he’s wanted by a couple of other clubs and he hasn’t told them yet.”

Meanwhile, striker Andy Doerr is hoping to return to training with the club next month.

The former Lordswood striker had broken his leg against Maidstone United last Boxing Day.

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk