FOLLAND Sports have dual-signed long-term target Ben Kneller from Hampshire Premier neighbours Hamble Club to assist with their Sydenhams Premier Division run-in.

But manager Danny Bowers says that is not a cue for fellow forward Richard Gregory to leave Follands Park after interest from Blackfield & Langley.

Bowers confirmed: “Blackfield have come in for Richard, but I can’t see him leaving at this stage.

“The link is that Reggie Palmer, the Blackfield goalkeeping coach, knows him, but Richard’s only recently come back to us (after working away) and he’s just coming back to full fitness.

“He’s a big part of things at Follands and I can’t see him going.”

With plenty more matches to squeeze in – starting at Totton & Eling tomorrow – Bowers is delighted to welcome Kneller on board.

The former Winchester City forward is back on song having had a promising career scuppered by a serious knee injury which kept him out of the game long-term.

“I’ve wanted to sign him for a long time,” said Bowers.

“Ben’s local and he’s a top lad as well and he’s steered clear of injury for a while now.”

Lymington Town boss Stuart Doling, meanwhile, has confirmed lodging notice of approach for Blackfield’s highly-rated striker Craig Feeney.

Lymington – who visit Horndean tomorrow – are the fourth club to have officially shown interest in Feeney this season and, thus far, the former Totton & Eling young gun has chosen to stay put at Gang Warily.

Doling, though, reckoned it was worth a stab.

“I know Craig’s dad (Tony Feeney) and Craig’s the same age as my nipper,” he said.

“He might well decide to stay at Blackfield, but I’d like the opportunity to speak to him and tell him what we’ve got planned for this club.

“He’d be ideal up top for us with James Thomson and James Davis. We’ll see if he wants to buy into what we’re doing here.”