Boss Matt Henman has softened the blow of losing attacking talent Ryan Hawkins by bringing Ryan Crisp to Dereham Town, writes Gavin Caney.

The Magpies' goal-getting winger is heading for pastures new after agreeing a two-year deal at higher-level St Neots Town. And Henman has wasted no time in finding a replacement by securing the signature of Needham Market striker Crisp.

Dereham's official Twitter feed released the news by posting the simple message: 'We're please to announce that we have signed striker Ryan Crisp. Welcome to the club. #coym'.

The left-footed hitman spent a month on loan at Aldiss Park last season, scoring once, before returning to Market where he helped them win Ryman North – the league his new outfit will continue to play at next season.

He netted twice for the champions upon his return but was restricted to a handful of appearances with Sam Newson's predatory instincts keeping him out of the side on his way to finishing as the league's second-top marksman with 29 goals.

Crisp made his name as a teenager with Kirkley & Pakefield. He joined Ryman Premier Leiston last summer before moving to Needham in February 2014.

The frontman may not be Henman's last capture of the summer with a statement on St Neots' website confirming an 'agreed transfer fee' helped prize Hawkins – a former Norwich City youngster – away from the side where he made his name and scored 22 times last season.

Saints boss David Batch, a former Wroxham manager, told his club's website: 'Ryan has been on our radar for some time and totally fits the profile we now have. His goalscoring record last season in a very quick and physical league is no real surprise, as he is a very athletic young man.

'He is adaptable and can play at full back and up front, but most importantly, is desperate to push his career on to a higher level, which we hope of course will be at St Neots.'