SOLENT Stars' preparations for the new season have been dealt a severe blow by the departure of player of the year John Bynum.

After only one season with the Fleming Park based side, during which he scored more than 750 points, Bynum has been released from his contract to take up an offer in Germany.

Although it was widely assumed that Bynum had played his last match for Solent in the play-off final, his departure leaves coach Mark Scott with a massive rebuilding programme to undertake.

With a formidable average of 31 points per game, Bynum was the pivotal figure for Solent, who finished third in the league before going so close to winning the play-off title.

Always ready to enjoy the game and with a smile never far away, the 24 year old American was hugely popular with the fans, who made him player of the year by a distance and more.

It was perhaps inevitable that Solent would be unable to retain Bynum for the season ahead, particularly after he impressed in the German draft system during the summer.

"Although we could insist on delaying John's move until we have concluded negotiations about our offer for next year, we recognise that John sees it in his own best interests to play in Europe," admitted Stars chairman Bob Paulley.

With fellow American Marlin Capers unlikely to return, Solent are set to start the season without any overseas signing.

"The directors have met several times over the summer and recognise that because we cannot offer accommodation, importing players is too expensive for us," says club spokesman Jim Rumsey.

"We are also being pushed hard by the national association to consider having no overseas players. Indeed, last year the association tried to put in place a voluntary code to that effect."

With a home-based side the priority, Solent could have done without losing one of their best players to fit that category with Steve Davison playing in France this season. Valuable squad member Dimitry La Croix has also returned to France.

That leaves Solent with several gaps to fill before the season begins later this month. Scott is hoping to play on a more regular basis this season after undergoing an ankle operation. It's also possible that Alan Cunningham, who had a hernia operation earlier this month, might be persuaded to play a few games.

Meanwhile, Solent have been given a home draw against Brighton Bears, the only premier league side on the south coast, in the first round of the National Cup. The tie takes place next month.