Bannister and Robinson Depart

Hinckley AFC can today announce that striker Craig Bannister and centre back Richard Robinson have left the club.

Following discussions with the management team, it has been decided that both players can seek first team football elsewhere.

Of the departures, manager Carl Abbott said: ‘I had a good chat with Craig Bannister yesterday and today, and we mutually agreed that he would be best served seeking regular football elsewhere.

‘Having settled into a new shape, opportunities will be limited, and with very few midweek games at this stage, a rotation of our forwards will not serve any of them particularly well.

‘Continuity in our line up will, in my opinion, be beneficial in steering us through this difficult start, and I believe that this decision is in the best interests of both parties.

‘Craig is a fantastic player and a great person, who I have known for some time. I have not taken this decision lightly, and I am disappointed to see him leave.

‘In the light of a seven day approach from Boldmere St Michaels, together with the emergence of Dominic Smith, I feel that it is in the best interests for both Richard and ourselves, as there is no guarantee of regular football with us.

It has been a pleasure to work with Richard, and I would like to thank him for his brief service and wish him all the very best for the future.

‘At this point in the season, stream lining our squad will help us settle down, and I see these decisions as sensible ones for both parties.

‘We will continue to assess the squad, and we are determined to turn the corner after our difficult start. We may have to make further difficult decisions in order to achieve this, should they be required.’