BARNOLDSWICK Town's boss, Andy Clarkson, has revealed that he is hunting down a new striker following the departure of star man Paul Turner.

It was announced last Friday (October 1) that Turner had left Town to join 1874 Northwich.

It will come as a blow to Clarkson and his side, with Turner showing prolific form since arriving

at the club in June from Longridge Town.

Turner arrived from Longridge boasting very impressive numbers, having scored 31 times in 33 appearances in the 19/20 season.

His form has continued this season, with 12 goals in 14 appearances at Barnoldswick.

And discussing Turner's departure, Clarkson said: "Paul will be a big loss to us because he's a quality striker and he scores goals.

"Wherever he goes, he's always going to be a valuable asset. We were struggling a bit with injuries and throughout September, results weren't going our way so I think that was probably part of his decision to leave.

"He has stayed dual-registered with us though, so if he doesn't get enough game time there, then he is more than welcome back."

Speaking to the Craven and Herald at the beginning of the campaign, Clarkson spoke of his admiration for Turner and admitted that he was a player that he'd watched for a number of years.

And to finally get his man, it was something that really pleased Clarkson.

He said: "It was well documented that I had a lot of respect for Paul as a player, so to work with him was great.

"He joined in June, so I had five or so months to work with him and it was a pleasure. Not only was he a top footballer, but he was a really nice lad as well.

"He knows that he can play at a higher level and we left on good terms. We wish him well and the door is always open for him to return."

Clarkson added: "He made a great impact in his short time with us, scoring plenty of goals. He's a brilliant poacher, he makes his runs off the last man really well and he also formed a top partnership with Gareth Hill. I'm just sorry to him leave.

"But departures happen in football and it's part and parcel of the game. We received a phone call a few weeks ago from the 1874 manager, who expressed his interest in Paul.

"I can't stop anybody from putting a seven day notice into any of my players because they're not contracted.

"If somebody comes in, they're allowed to speak to my players after seven days and 1874 did it the right way. Paul informed me the other night that he wanted to give it a go."

Clarkson added: "I'm not going to naive in saying we don't need to replace Paul's firepower, but we have options within the club in Ben Ashton and Gaz Hill, and also U23 forwards. But we will look for a new nine who fits the way we play. Strikers come at a premium though."

Barnoldswick return to action on Saturday, 3:00 PM, when they host Congleton Town.