Top scorer quits Town (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Top scorer quits Town

9:15am Thursday 23rd November 2006 in Football By Nick Mashiter

NICK Stanley is on the verge of leaving Devizes Town after the club agreed a fee with Mangotsfield United.

Stanley joined the club, who are still waiting to sign a sponsorship deal with a national company, in August and his impressive form down the left wing has convinced the Southern Premier side to make an offer in the region of £1,000.

The 20-year-old, on a one- year contract, trained with Mangotsfield on Tuesday and will return tonight before making his decision.

Stanley, Devizes' top scorer with ten goals, said: "I want to get back to Southern League level but I won't rush into it, it has to be right.

"It is a good set up there and if everything comes together I will go.

"It is nice they have taken an interest but if it is not right then I have wasted Mangotsfield's money and Devizes' time."

Stanley also attracted interest from his old club Chippenham Town, who released him earlier in the season, but the midfielder refused to go back to Hardenhuish Park.

He said: "I felt after the way I left it wasn't right.

"It was a case of pride, because I didn't want to go back and, when things were difficult, be the first one to be kicked out again."

Stanley has made himself available for a farewell appearance in Saturday's home clash with Torrington.

He said: "I got my confidence back when I came to Devizes. The manager has been someone I can talk to and he has been looking out for my best interests.

"I want to be around for Saturday because when players hear someone has left before a game their heads can go down.

"It is not nice when someone leaves midweek. I want to go properly."

Boss Paul Thompson, who accompanied Stanley to watch Mangotsfield beat Gloucester City 2-1 last Tuesday, was not surprised by the attention.

Thompson said: "He has been slightly in awe with people being interested but his form has been the reason. He is a very good player."

The manager has resigned himself to losing his star player and has been quick to start recruiting.

Thompson swooped for Japanese midfielder Ryo Matsunaga, who was on loan at Nursteed Road earlier in the season, after his release from Swindon Supermarine The player-boss, who is struggling with a groin injury, has also brought in former teammate and goalkeeper Roman Roncinsky on a two-week loan to cover in his absence.

Devizes are also interested in Calne Town striker Luke Gullick, who has notched eight Toolstation Premier goals this term, as a direct replacement for Stanley.

Meanwhile, the club are still to finalise a deal with a new sponsor.

They are waiting for final confirmation from the national company before announcing details, but Devizes chairman Phil Rossiter does not expect any last minute problems.