BASHLEY’S hopes of an improved Southern League campaign appear set to suffer a serious setback – with star player Richard Gillespie on the verge of joining Eastleigh.

The prolific striker, a Bashley legend with 173 goals in 308 appearances, is widely regarded as the jewel in the club’s crown.

But he endured a frustrating campaign last time out – despite hitting 20 goals in 40 starts – as Bashley struggled against relegation for a large part of the Premier Division season.

And the 24-year-old is now expected to deliver a big blow to Bashley by joining team-mate Matt Finlay in quitting the club in favour of Conference South football.

Bashley boss Steve Riley said the club had done the “honourable” thing in respecting the player’s wish to leave.

He said: “For someone who has been here for eight seasons, I don’t think it would be fair to stand in his way.

“He’s been a great servant – absolutely fantastic. I know it will be a disappointment for the fans and our players, but sometimes that’s what happens in football.

“I think the club have been honourable and recognised his service.”

No fee has been disclosed, but Eastleigh director of football David Malone confirmed both clubs were “happy with the financial arrangements agreed” for ex-Saints academy player Gillespie, who had another year remaining on his Bashley contract.

If the prospect of Gillespie leaving the Recreation Ground is not bad enough, it also appears likely that Riley’s outfit will have to make do without fellow striker Ryan Moss.

The powerful frontman, who rejoined Bash for a second spell last season, yesterday told the Echo that, due to work commitments, he is unlikely to continue his career with the club.

“I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to go back to Bashley,” the former Cherries trainee revealed.

Moss, who scored six goals in 16 starts for Bash last term, added: “For the past two years I have been able to swap my on-call duty, but work has stopped me doing that, so it’s not fair to commit to a football club by signing a contract.

“It’s going to be very hard for me to go back to Bashley now, even on a pay as you play deal.”

Bashley’s squad had already been weakened during the close-season, with versatile midfielder Finlay joining Basingstoke Town.

But on a positive note, Riley revealed that forward Dave Allen has opted not to join Eastleigh and remain with Bashley.

  • Poole Town goalkeeper Adam Tong has joined Wessex League rivals Hamworthy United.

Tong is the second stopper to leave Tatnam during the close-season, with Premier Division winner Jason Harvell having already exited the club.

But Dolphins boss Tom Killick has recruited Nic Jones from New Milton Town.

Jones could face his former club on the opening day of the Wessex Premier season after Dolphins were paired at home against Linnets for the start of their title defence on August 8.

Selected opening fixtures, Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division: Alton Town v Christchurch, Blackfield & Langley v Bournemouth Poppies, Hayling United v Hamworthy United, Newport IOW v Wimborne Town, Poole Town v New Milton Town.

Division One: AFC Porchester v Verwood, Ringwood v Andover New Street.