ST Neots Town manager Dennis Greene is talking to three players following the loss of striker Shane Tolley and midfielder Lewis Webb.

Greene returned from holiday last week to discover that Tolley had joined big spending United Counties League Premier Division side Spalding United, while Webb had decided to return to the club he left two and a half seasons ago, King’s Lynn Town.

“I was expecting to lose four players at the end of the season, so I am not surprised that Shane and Lewis have moved on,” said Greene. “I am currently talking to three players but won’t be replacing like for like.”

Tolley’s departure came a day after Webb had confirmed he had signed for the newly promoted Northern League Division One side King’s Lynn.

Last week, Saints chairman Mike Kearns indicated the door would remain open for Webb. He 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.”

However, following King’s Lynn’s surprising ‘best loser’ promotion from the UCL Premier, manager Gary Setchell persuaded the 22-year-old 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 ankle injury kept him out of contention for the final month.

His decision to join UCL side Spalding may have come as a bit of a surprise to St Neots’ fans – but not to Spalding’s. Webb told The Hunts Post that Spalding had offered him the best financial deal – and, as a student, football is Tolley’s only source of income.

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.”

Asked if he would be replacing Tolley with another striker, St neots manager Greene told The Hunts Post: “I need more versatility in the squad. Dan Jacob will be our third striker next season.”