BOSS Gary Bailey was full of praise for sharpshooter Adam

Linaker, after announcing the striker would be stepping away from first-team duties at Grove Corner next season.

Linaker helped the Blues to a number of Dorset Premier League titles before their return to the Wessex League structure and was also part of the squad that secured the Sydenhams Wessex League Division One title last term.

The frontman scored 20 goals in 27 league appearances for the Blues in 2011/12 and followed it up with 22 strikes in 23 league games the year after.

Asked about the situation regarding Linaker, manager Bailey told Echosport: “Adam is not going to disappear completely.

“He has been a good servant to the club and will remain on board in not such an immediate capacity.

“He has got to the stage with his career and family life where the need to train regularly and travel for away games is tough for him to commit to, and we understand that.

“He is still going to be associated with the club and maybe play a few games for the reserves and be there should I need him.”

The island boss added: “Nobody can fault Adam’s loyalty and commitment to the club. He has been a fantastic servant.

“He will be missed on a regular basis but he is going to stay around the place and, hopefully he can impart some of his experience to the reserves and some of the younger lads that are coming through. He will make himself available as and when it suits.”

Meanwhile, with the Blues’ Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division fixtures now out, Bailey is looking forward to getting their campaign underway at Verwood on Wednesday, August 3 (7.45pm).

“This season we are a bit more familiar with the travelling and we have played three or four of the teams from this league last year and had a real taste of it,” Bailey added.

“It’s a nice start and Verwood is not too far to go. There will be a buzz about it with Gavin (Reeves, new Potters’ manager) taking over and probably some fresh faces there that will want to impress him.

“Each game we will treat individually and approach it, hopefully, the same as we did last year.”

Bailey also confirmed that Portland have entered this year’s FA Vase competition.

  • The Blues return to pre-season training tomorrow at Grove Corner (6.15pm for a 6.30pm start).

All old and new players are welcome to attend.