MANAGER Paul Collicutt said he was unhappy with the way George Seacole conducted himself over his decision to back out of a deal with Evesham United.

The forward looked set to leave North Leigh after committing to Evesham for the 2018-19 Southern League West campaign.

But Seacole has decided to stay put at the Oxfordshire outfit leaving Collicutt to look for reinforcements in the striker department.

“I don’t want to comment too much on that,” said Collicutt whose side take on tenants Gloucester City in their pre-season opener at the Jubilee Stadium on Saturday.

“I am bitterly disappointed with the way he conducted himself.

“But I am hoping between now and Saturday to get a striker on board.

“Ideally I would sign two. If I could do that I would be very happy.

“We have got options and we are talking to people so we are hoping to get one or two added to the squad before the Gloucester game.”

Versatile left-sided player Cory Simpson could make his first appearance for Evesham against Gloucester after joining Collicutt’s side from Bristol Manor Farm.

Simpson scored 10 goals in 27 appearances for Larkhall Athletic and had a spell at Salisbury.

Collicutt said: “Cory can play left wing-back, left midfield or as an attacker.

“He is a bit different to what I have got here.

“He is a strong lad who is a winner, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on with us as I have got great hopes for him.

“We met up last week and I am glad to say that he has decided to join Evesham.

“I know he is a good player, but I just hope we can make him a better player.

“He scored goals last year, so I just want to get him playing well consistently.

“He is naturally left footed but can play on the right-hand side and down the middle.

“He has got one or two options but his preferred position is down the left.”