BEACONSFIELD Sycob caretaker manager Simon Delahunty will be forced to reshuffle his squad for Saturday's visit of Paulton Rovers following the departure of influential central defender James Mann.

Mann has opted for a move away from Southern League football in favour of the Ryman League with Fleet Town in Division One.

His departure comes less than two months after signing for the Rams as part of a loan agreement with Yeading from the Nationwide Conference League South.

Delahunty, who wants the Rams managerial position on a permanent basis, admitted Mann's departure from Holloways Park couldn't have come at a worse time especially as co-central defender Nick Leach is now sidelined for at least a month after breaking his nose against Thame at the weekend.

Delahunty said: "It's a shame because I wanted James to stay and tried to talk to him with a view of keeping him for the season.

"He'll be missed. However, he's a great lad and did very well with us and we wish him all the best.

"I am still worried about our injury problems with the likes of Jason Griffiths and Nick Leach. I could do with somebody else coming in before Saturday."

Despite the loss of Mann, Sycob have secured the services of Jason Bowler from Hemel Hempstead and the left-sided forward will be available for selection for today's game (ko 3pm).

Delahunty added: "Paulton are up there and it will be a good game. Apart from the top four sides in the league, it's a case of who wants it most on the day as there's little between the other sides."

Sycob climbed off the bottom of the league last weekend with a 4-1 win against rivals Thame.

Two goals from Allan Arthur and one each for Kieron Gradwell and Roy Gumbs helped Beaconsfield leap above United who are now the basement club.