Bashley have put an early spoke into the wheels of new Newport manager Richie Reynolds.

One of Reynolds's top priorities on taking over at St George's Park this week was to ensure that Port's three out-of-contract players - Adam Barsdell, Dave Wakefield and Danny Rofe - would stay and form the nucleus of his rebuilt, young side.

But already his plans have gone awry with news that Wakefield has already signed forms for Dr Martens League Eastern Division rivals Bashley.

For Bash boss Barry Blankley, Wakefield's arrival is not before time. He tried to sign him on loan from his previous club Havant & Waterlooville two seasons ago, but was beaten to it by Salisbury.

Blankley has also solved his goalkeeping problems by signing Steve Staples. The former Brockenhurst No1 briefly joined Lymington & New Milton this summer and was on his way to Salisbury before Ken Cunningham-Brown's appointment upset the applecart.

Ambitious Jewson Wessex League outfit Eastleigh were also on Staples's trail, but Blankley said: "He wants to play at the highest standard and, also, he lives down Bournemouth way so we're closer to home for him."

Two of Bashley's fringe element, Kieron Hall and Ali Simpson, have left to join Brockenhurst - a fact which disapppoints Blankley.

He said: "People say they haven't been in the team because they're youngsters, but it's not true.

"Age is not important. If someone is 16 or 45, they will play if they're good enough, but Ali and Kieron wanted a guarantee of first-team football and I won't give that to anyone. It's a shame because they're good squad players."

Former Newport skipper John Price has joined Eastbourne Borough, while defender Ian Rew and understudy goalkeeper Joe McCormack have left the Islanders for Wessex outfit Gosport.