Rocks confirm Prior is off to Eastleigh

The Rocks have announced the man who has scored more than 70 goals for the club since the start of last season will join Conference South side Eastleigh next week.

It is no surprise Prior is moving up to a higher level - Football League clubs are among those to have watched him this season as he sets about beating last year’s tally of 40-plus goals which won him the Ryman one south golden boot.

Nevertheless it leaves a big gap in the Rocks’ squad and the club are likely to want to bring in a new goal poacher to back up existing forwards Terry Dodd and Steve Harper. Utility man Ben Andrews can also play up front but faces time on the sidelines when he has a knee cartilage op next month.

The Rocks statement said: “It is with regret that the club has to announce that agreement has been reached with Eastleigh for the transfer of Jason Prior.

“As supporters will be aware there has been considerable interest in Jason this season with many Football League clubs as well as a number of Conference clubs showing interest.

“However none of these have made a definite offer, and over the past week Eastleigh became the only club to make a formal and acceptable offer.

“Bognor would have very much preferred to keep Jason at Nyewood Lane until the end of the season, but would not be in a position to offer the player anything like the terms offered by Eastleigh.

“When it became clear that Jason wished to accept Eastleigh’s terms the clubs agreed a transfer fee. However it was agreed that the move will not take place until after the festive period to give Bognor some opportunity to find a suitable replacement.

“It is anticipated that Jason will be available for the match at Whitehawk on Monday.

“Jason’s record at the club speaks for itself and I am sure all supporters will join us in wishing him every success with his future career.”