Title-winning boss Botterill full of praise for departing Long Buckby duo Bunting and Dunkley

As far as endorsements go, former Long Buckby boss Glen Botterill couldn't have done a better job in saying goodbye to Richard Bunting and Russell Dunkley.

The United Counties Premier Division title-winning manager lost his captain and top-scorer long before he resigned as Buckby manager earlier this week.

However, he certainly he certainly hasn't shown any sourness towards the pair and has backed his former players to become big hits at King's Lynn Town as they prepare to begin life at the side they pipped to the championship last season.

Speaking before he quit Station Road, Botterill said: 'Setch has got two good players there. They're no hassle. I can't speak highly enough of them. They go with my blessing and I wish them all the best.

'He couldn't have made two better signings from the UCL if he tried. They're great lads. They kept me in the loop after every phone call.

'They've done everything right.

'I advised them to go and have at least a season at Lynn, even though they'll be really hard acts to replace.'

Botterill insisted the pair may not have left Buckby had they been promoted. However, after their ground was deemed inadequate for Step Four, the Northamptonshire-based manager admitted he always expected to lose his star duo.

He said: 'Me and Bunts go back a few years. He'll get the dressing room going and he's a good player. He's good in the air, passes the ball well and puts his foot in.

'He's got the three qualities you need to be a decent central midfield player. Dunks can play on the floor, he's good in the air and is a target man.

'On top of that he's good around the box and brings people into the game – Jason Turner will have a field day playing off him. The supporters will take to them both I'm sure because not only are they good players but they work hard too.'