Diskin culls Castle squad

Newcastle Town manager John Diskin is looking for a new striker after allowing top scorer Neville Thompson to leave the Lyme Valley Stadium.

Thompson's exit from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League outfit earlier this week follows that of fellow forward Harry Clayton and defender Adam Bailey. Newcastle say their manager decided to let the trio go after they failed to live up to 'footballing expectations' with the club fighting to avoid being dragged into the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South's relegation battle.

Clayton has been sent back early from his loan spell to Crewe Alexandra while defender Bailey has joined NWCFL oufit Winsford United. Diskin's side are in the wrong half of the table despite Thompson's 13 goals so far this season and the manager admitted he was sorry to see the striker leave.

Diskin said: "I didn't really want to let Neville go but I felt we had to freshen things up. He's a great lad with a good attitude and hopefully he has left on good terms. I think there will be plenty of clubs in for him."