SWINDON Supermarine manager Dave Webb said that Ashley Edenborough has accepted an offer at Southern League Division One South and West rivals Evesham United that ‘was too good to refuse’.

The striker’s departure from South Marston has left Webb with a massive hole to fill at the Webb’s Wood Stadium following Josh Parsons’ return to Premier Division outfit Hungerford Town.

Edenborough’s exit from Marine is a blow to Webb as on paper is at best a sideways move.

The Marine chief admits that he is disappointed at losing his two top goalscorers but says it is difficult to compete with clubs with larger budgets.

“I can only thank Ash for what he has done for the club,” Webb said. “But his words to me was the offer was too good to refuse.

“Evesham have their new ground and now Ash had to be the striker they signed.

“It doesn’t take a genius to work out what we are in the market for, but we have a structure to work to and if it means we have to play a bit of a waiting game then we will - I’m not going to be drawn into an auction.

“Of course, the departures have meant that I’ve got to do a bit of rebuilding job for another season and that is far from ideal.

“I have done it before and we were competitive and reached the play-offs for the second successive season.”

The Marine chief also needs to replace Bradley Gray, Danny Hilder, Craig Curtis and Joey Tustain.

However, the manager is closing in on an experienced Southern League striker and it is hoped that the player will sign for the club on his return from holiday next week.

The club have confirmed that Shrivenham winger Dan Drewitt has signed forms with the club for next term.

“Dan is a talented young player and I’m looking forward to having with us.”

The Marine chief was also set to complete the re-signing of keeper Sam Warrell last night.

“What I have been able to do this summer is strengthen the defence which was my big aim,” Webb said.

“With Ross Adams coming in and the lads who have already re-signed we will have a strong settled defence.

“But rest assured there is no-one working harder than me in trying to find the right players who, at the very least, can get this club into the play-offs again.”