Hednesford Town boss Rob Smith bid farewell to inspirational midfielder Chris Clements after the ex-Crewe man’s move to Conference outfit Mansfield Town was confirmed by the Club today.

The transfer was widely expected to be completed in the last week or so and now Smith, keen to re-shape his squad for the new season, can remodel his side after lavishing praise on Clements, the most gifted player to wear the Hednesford shirt in many years.

‘He is irreplaceable, its quite simple. We will not be able to get another Chris Clements. At times he left us speechless and the goals he scored against Frickley and Chester will never be forgotten.
Chris has so much pure natural ability on the ball. He is comfortable receiving the ball despite being marked, and this will be important for him in the Conference. Overall I think the major factor in his play will be that he is a goalscoring midfielder and can score so many types of goals.’

Smith’s thoughts now turn to his current squad and he is confident that the recent new signings, added to this week with the capture of Alex Melbourne from Rushall Olympic will begin to fill the hole left by Clements.

‘Alex went to Rushall from us last season to get more games and he fitted on very well and scored goals from a more advanced position. The fact he wanted to be part of the Hednesford squad again made it an easy decision.

The siginings of recent weeks, as well as the decision to keep Elliott Durrell, Ben Bailey, Jamey Osborne and Darren Campion, have begun to see The Pitmen squad take shape but Smith was keen to stress his gratitude to three popular players who have moved to pastures new – Nick Wellecomme and Jay Denny have been released while Cheyenne Dunkley completed a move to Kidderminster Harriers.

‘I would like to place on record my huge gratitude to those three players, they have given their all for the Club and I wish them the very best of luck.’