Hythe boss Tim Dixon knows he has a big job on his hands to replace prolific striker Shaun Welford.

He banged in 38 goals for Hythe last season but last week joined Ryman League Division 1 North side Cray Wanderers.

Welford will renew acquaintances at Cray with midfielder Danny Lye, another member of last season’s Town squad. Eight of those players have agreed to stay on but Welford’s departure is a significant one.

Dixon said: "Shaun’s reached the latter part of his career and was looking for a bit more money at another club.

"I heard some ridiculous sums of money being bandied around for him and it’s difficult, with the budget I’ve got at Hythe, to keep anyone like that. He’s moved on and I couldn’t do anything about it.

"Shaun’s different class. I was with him at Dover and you know he’s going to bang in goals. Anyone who says different must be mad. He’s always caused problems in this league and in the Ryman Premier.

"I didn’t think I could keep Shaun. I have to replace that amount of goals and it’s been difficult. It’s a massive void to fill but that’s why I’m the manager because the board feel I can attract players, with the style of football I want to play and the ambition for the club.

"I won’t feel sorry for myself if I can’t attract someone straight away. I’ll bide my time."