1st XI midfielder Alex Breeden has obtained a scholarship to study Chinese and business at the University of International Business & Economics in Beijing and leaves the UK at the end of August. Breeds will be unavailable for selection until January when he returns to the fold for a month before travelling back to China for a further five months.

Alex notched up 17 games last season, an excellent attendance record which will be a substantial hole to fill. Skipper Poulter will be looking for a suitable replacement in the coming weeks.

Another man off to the Far East is 2nd XI winger Harry Dalzell. ‘The Dazzler’ has landed a new role as an Education Consultant and will be rarely available for the foreseeable future. After 12 appearances and a ‘Best Tekkers’ award in 2014/15, his departure will leave a dent in the 2s midfield as new captain Geoff Taunton-Collins looks to plug the gap.