White disappointed but looking forwards after McBride departure

Rebels’ top scorer with 25 goals last term has signed for their Ryman League Division 1 South opposition to join up with Hillians’ new manager Ian Chapman – who he knows from their time at Whitehawk.

It is no doubt a blow for Rebels, who based their side around McBride last season – although the big striker’s disciplinary record marred his season, as he was sent-off three times in the 2011-12 campaign.

It is the second consecutive season Rebels have lost their top scorer, with Terry Dodd opting to move along the coast to Bognor last summer.

Rebels boss Chris White, who stuck by his striker last season, admitted his disappointment, but offered assurances the club would again move forward, with four transfer targets in his sights.

He said: “We met a couple of weeks ago and Ryan said he had heard from Chappers, but he said he was going to stay, but then text me saying he’d changed his mind.

“I thought it may be on the cards. They have known each other a long time and are good friends out of football – so Ryan decided to go and help him out. It’s disappointing but everyone said it was the end of the world when Terry left last year but we brought in Ryan and we’ll move on again.

“It’s always disappointing when a player decides to leave, especially when there is no real reason. It’s a bit disappointing as I stuck by him last year, but he repaid that with 25 goals. Players come and go but the club moves on. Everyone else from last year has said they’ll be staying and will all be at pre-season training.”