Prior quits Bognor for Havant & Waterlooville

Jason Prior picks up an award for being the Rocks' top scorer at the recent club awards night / Picture Tim Hale

After 210 appearances in a Bognor shirt and 153 goals, Prior is moving on – to a team who will be among the Rocks’ Ryman premier rivals in 2016-17.

It will bring dismay to Bognor fans, who have already seen centre-half Craig Robson decide to leave the Lane and move to National League premier side Dagenham and Redbridge.

Supporters will be hoping not too many more key players move on – and there will be good news on the way about a number of players who have committed to Bognor for next season.

Prior confirmed to the Bognor Observer he was heading for Westleigh Park and said on Twitter: “Thanks to everyone at @rocks1883 for last season, especially Jamie, Dabba and the players. It was a pleasure as always. All the best.

“Looking forward to a new challenge next season @HavantWvilleFC – hopefully we can bounce straight back up!”

It means the two fixtures between the clubs, who have always had a strong rivalry, will be more keenly anticipated than ever.

And it gives the Rocks management a headache – how do you replace a player who has scored an average of three goals in every four games he has played?

Bognor boss Jamie Howell told the Observer: “Obviously we’re disappointed to lose one of our best players. He felt it was an offer too good to turn down. We thank Jason for being an excellent servant to Bognor.”

More on this story on this website later and in the Bognor Observer on Thursday.

STEVE BONE

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