ST Neots Town have lost two of their more popular players with midfielder Lewis Webb signing for King’s Lynn Town and striker Shane Tolley signing for Spalding United.

Last week, Saints chairman Mike Kearns indicated the door would remain open for Webb, who told the club he had been speaking to the Norfolk club – and one other, Spalding.

With his manager Dennis Greene still on holiday, Kearns told The Hunts Post: “We were informed by Lewis that he was going to look elsewhere and I understand he has spoken to King’s Lynn and Spalding.

“But he might even come back – you never know. He’s out of contract so he can talk to whoever he wants.

“The door’s not closed to any player. Dennis and I haven’t even had a proper chat about next season yet. We’ll do that when he gets back from holiday.”

However, following King’s Lynn’s surprising ‘best loser’ promotion to the Northern League’s Division One South - the same level that the Saints were playing at last season - Lynn manager Gary Setchell persuaded the 22-year-old midfielder to join him at The Walks.

“Webby is hard, fit and hungry and has got the experience of a 28-year-old,” said Setchell. “We’re bringing leaders into the squad.

“He’ll work his socks off and when the chips are down he’ll try and dig in and put things right – not feel sorry for himself.”

Tolley, who is 27, lost his starting place to Ben Mackey during the latter stages of St Neots’ promotion season – and an injury kept him out of contention for the final month.

His decision to join United Counties League Premier Division side Spalding may have come as a bit of a surprise to St Neots’ fans – but not to Spalding’s.

Having already signed experienced ex-professionals Lee Canoville and Andy Toyne, the ambitious Lincolnshire club’s manager Pat Rayment confirmed the capture of Tolley, telling the club’s website: “It’s great news for us. He’s in a different class of striker.”

A statement from St Neots read: “We had three top-quality strikers in Shane Tolley, Stefan Moore and Ben Mackey, and it was always going to be difficult to keep all three happy within the system we play our football.

“It goes without saying that ‘Custard’ has been inspirational in our success over the last two seasons and we wish him every success at his new club.”