HAMMERS boss Tim Sills admitted that Max Buckler’s decision to depart the County Ground came “out of the blue” – but the Hamworthy United manager is confident other members of his squad can step up next campaign.

Sills led Hamworthy to the Wessex Premier League title last season, meaning the Hammers will play in the Southern League for the first-time next term.

The step up to the eighth tier has come at a slight cost for the Hammers, with a few players unable to commit to the extra travel incurred by the wider footprint of the Southern League.

Hammers’ Portland-based contingent has taken a hit, with Max Buckler and Jamie Beasley departing the club.

Beasley has returned closer to home with Dorset Premier League outfit Dorchester Sports, whilst Buckler had previously been announced as remaining at the County Ground for the upcoming season.

Reflecting on Buckler’s departure, Sills told the Daily Echo: “Max, kind of a bit out of the blue, but then it's for someone else to step up.

“Max has done well for us, he's decided to step away from (football) a bit due to the commitment of it, and that's crucial at this level.

“You need boys who are going to turn up week in, week out with the bit between their teeth, really willing to get into the side and then keep their place.

“And if someone's not quite feeling that, then fair enough, he's been honest with us.

“Matty Neale’s obviously signed for Dorchester, but again, it's a big season for Cam Munn, it's a big season for Bailey Rowe, who are such promising young lads.

“They're more than good enough to play at this level.

“Jack Lovell's decided to go to Shaftesbury. But again, we’ve brought in Curtis Young. We brought in Sam Griffin.

“I feel like we're in a really good place at the moment.

“So, yes, we may look to add one or two.”