WINCHESTER City have replaced one golden boot winner with another in readiness for the new Southern One South & West campaign.

Following the departure of top gun Warren Bentley to Gosport Borough, the Citizens have welcomed Sam Wilson back on board on a two-year deal.

While Bentley was busy setting the South & West alight with 57 league and cup goals last term, Wilson – still just 21 – netted 40 times to spearhead Salisbury’s promotion from the Sydenhams Premier. But despite that impressive statistic, he feared his opportunities would be limited next term by the arrival of Gosport’s all-time record goalscorer Justin Bennett.

Talking to The Echo’s sister paper The (Salisbury) Journal, Wilson admitted: “I was a bit disappointed when Justin came in as I thought I wouldn’t get a chance.

“He is a good signing and I understand why the club have done it.

“I spoke to Steve (Claridge, manager) and he said he couldn’t turn down the opportunity. I would love to have stayed, but it wasn’t meant to be."

Wilson had a spell with Winchester the season before last but didn’t want to play second fiddle to prolific former Alresford duo Bentley and Zach Glasspool.

Welcoming him back, City's director Dave Malone said: “We need someone to score goals and I’ve known Sam for ages. Paul (Masters, manager) knows him too and we know what he can and can’t do.

“He’s a totally different player to Warren and we don’t expect him to score as many goals, but if he weighs in with 25-35, that would be brilliant.”

Winchester are also close to completing the signing of midfielder/striker Stuart Green from Bognor. Not to be confused with City’s former Alresford midfielder of the same name, this one has previously played for Romsey Town, Moneyfields and Gosport.