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Non-league preview: Defensive star Jones leaves to join Corby
Non-league football action from Peterborough Northern Star v Kings Lynn: Richard Jones. Photo supplied
NORTHERN Star have waved a fond farewell to defensive colossus Richard Jones.
The classy centre-back has been snapped up by Corby Town after impressing against the Blue Square North Division club in a county cup fixture on Tuesday.
Jones has previously shunned advances from Stamford, Soham, St Neots and King’s Lynn, but he couldn’t resist climbing three steps up the non-league ladder at Corby.
And he goes with the blessing of Star boss Chris Plummer who said: “You’re always disappointed as a manager to lose a key player, but on the other hand I’m pleased for Richard to have earned a move like this.
“I have no doubt he has the class to play at that level providing he believes in himself. He is an excellent all-round defender who has given Northern Star terrific service in the past two seasons.
“He helped us win the League Cup last season and get to the top of the table in the current campaign.”
Jones will be reunited with brother Mark at Corby. The Steelmen recently snapped up the striker from Deeping Rangers.
Meanwhile Plummer has begun the search for a possible replacement for Jones, but he won’t rush into making a move.
Plummer added: “We still have two capable centre-backs at the club in Wayne Morris and Mark Cox, but injuries or suspensions would leave us thin on the ground.
“You can’t just go out and replace a player of Richard’s class, but we will have a look to see who is available.”
Star host Daventry United in the United Counties League Premier Division tomorrow.
n SPALDING chairman Chris Toynton insists he won’t rush into appointing a new manager.
The Tulips board interviewed three candidates to succeed axed Andy Stanhope earlier this week and are still due to meet two others.
Toynton said: “We are currently going through the interview process and it is certain there will be no appointment before the weekend.
“We are well aware we have to make the right appointment.
“I can certainly agree with the people who say we have had too many managers in my 10 years at the club, but it hasn’t been by design.
“Most of those managers have moved on by their own volition and Andy Stanhope was only the second we have asked to step down due to results not being good enough.”
Former Deeping boss Pat Rayment has been strongly linked as favourite for the job.
n DEEPING manager Tuncay Korkmaz reckons he’s signed the perfect player to pep up his attack.
Boston Town hitman Alex Beck’s transfer is expected to be completed in time for him to make his debut at bottom club Desborough tomorrow.
Deeping have been guilty of squandering stacks of chances in recent matches since the departure of top-scorer Mark Jones over Christmas and 18-goal Beck should put that right.
Korkmaz said: “Alex is a player we’ve known about for some time. We tried to get him in during the summer and we’re delighted to have him on board now.”
n YAXLEY boss Gary Clipston is sweating over the health of defender Matt Holland ahead of a trip to top-six side AFC Kempston Rovers.
Holland has impressed as the strugglers have kept back-to-back clean sheets but a flu bug is threatening his participation on Saturday.
Yaxley have snapped up midfield talent Sam Murphy on loan from Wisbech but another midfielder, Paul Jones, has left the club. He is taking a break from the game.
Elsewhere Blackstones visit St Ives.
Bourne travel to Division One leaders Harborough tonight while Huntingdon continue their Division One promotion bid at home to Rothwell Corinthians tomorrow.
In-form loan striker Niks Salvanieks is likely to be fit but Town defender Josh Crick is out with a broken nose.
Wisbech are out to put their promotion hopes back on track when hosting Gorleston in the Ridgeons Premier Division.
Fenland neighbours and fellow promotion hopefuls, March, are at struggling Cornard in the First Division.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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