Didcot Town’s top-scorer John Mills has agreed to join Hereford FC after rejecting a deal to stay at the Evo-Stik Southern League club.

Mills, 25, who scored 57 goals for the Division 1 South & West outfit last season, has signed a deal with the newlyreformed club who will play in the Midland League Premier Division – a level below the Railwaymen.

He will be joined by former teammate Pablo Heysham, who has also left the Loop Meadow Stadium.

Didcot’s joint boss Ian Concannon said he was disappointed to lose Mills, who turned down the Bulls last season after they went out of business.

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But the Bulls came back with an offer that Mills could not turn down.

“They (Mills and Haysham) won’t be with us next season,,” said Concannon.

“They have been offered a lot of money to go and he’ll (Mills) be playing for Hereford on Saturday.

“At the end of last season, we understood he (Mills) would be going elsewhere to play at a higher level.

“He had various trials at other clubs and we offered him a deal, but Hereford have come in and offered him a serious amount of money, which we could not match.

“It’s been fairly amicable, but it’s disappointing he’s gone. I don’t know how we will replace him.

“We’re happy with the squad we have got, but it’s never easy when you lose someone who has scored 57 goals for you. It’s a hell of a void, but we’ll just have to shop about.

“It’s a blow, a big blow and I’m not particularly happy about it. But the door is open to them to come back if it doesn’t work out. And from a selfish point of view, I hope it doesn’t.”

Meanwhile, Abingdon United host Oxford City Nomads in their Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division opener on Saturday, August 8.

Ardley United are at Binfield, while Kidlington host Thatcham and Milton entertain Thame United.