MIDFIELDER James Jepson has quit Gresley and joined Evo-Stik NPL First Division South big boys King’s Lynn Town after receiving a “ridiculous” money-spinning offer.
The 30-year-old has been followed out of the Moat Ground exit door by winger Louis Hamilton, whose brief loan move has ended with a move to Kettering Town.
Full-back Sam Woods, meanwhile, has gone on loan to Shepshed Dynamo.
“The money King’s Lynn were offering James was ridiculous,” said Gresley boss Gary Norton. “There’s been no fall-out between him and me.
“From a financial point of view, it’s something he can’t turn down at this stage of his career.
“He’s been fantastic for the club since coming in part way through the Midland Alliance season.
“His form dipped a bit after the initial approach from King’s Lynn.
“But in his time here he’s been terrific, on and off the field, and we wouldn’t rule out him coming back to us in the future.”
Hamilton’s stay at the Moat Ground was a little more transient, but Woods – a promising defender – will be back.
“We were hoping Louis would stay until the end of the season,” said Norton. “Best of luck to him.
“Sam’s gone out just to get some games and build his fitness.
“He’s still got lots to offer us and is a decent young full-back.”
Norton was last night waiting to see if Dean Rathbone was staying at the club after seven days’ notice was given by Chasetown.
He was hopeful of hanging onto the talented midfielder, who could feature more regularly in the centre now that Jepson has departed.
Striker Phil Massingham, though, has decided to stay at the Moat Ground after an approach from Rainworth Miners Welfare.
“Phil confirmed to me he wished to stay at the club,” said Norton.
“I was quite critical of him in the Halesowen Town defeat and he apologised for that.
“He’s really, really impressed me with his attitude after that and I think the approach from Rainworth was just a coincidence and nothing to do with the rollocking he got.”
Gresley host Mickleover Sports tomorrow (Saturday, February 23), kick-off 3pm, looking for a performance similar to the one which earned them a 4-0 win when the sides met in Derby on Boxing Day.
The Moatmen beat Ashby Ivanhoe 6-0 in the Coaville Charity Cup in midweek, with Jordan Nadat bagging an impressive hat-trick.
The 22-year-old striker is in line for a recall, but will not walk back into the side.
“We played very well in patches last Saturday,” said Norton. “It’s something we’ll have to look at.
“If Jordan doesn’t get in from the start, he’ll be disappointed, but there will be changes since James has left us.”
Danny Holmes is expected to start tomorrow after only being named on the bench on Saturday.
The only injury surrounds long-term victim Rob Spencer (broken jaw).
GRESLEY FROM: Hateley, Barrett, Nottingham, Strzyzewski, Gough, Rathbone, Holmes, Lyons, Nadat, Massingham, Goodfellow, Roome, Walker, Hanslow, Turville, Woodward.
