JUSTIN Thompson is going to be a big loss for Worcester City and very difficult to replace but we wish him all the best.

It is a step up that he is taking at the Portland Timbers in America but I am sure that he will be able to the transition and have a good season for them over the summer.

I knew all about Justin before he came to Worcester, having been with him at Bury, and I don't think he's disappointed during his time here.

He had a really good first season and made a massive impression.

This season he's been a stalwart in the back-line alongside Des Lyttle, Chris Smith, Shabir Khan and Danny Hodnett.

He's played nearly every game and not missed too many through injury and suspension and he's been a consistent performer week in week out.

As a centre-half he's dominated, won his individual battles and he's been a credit to the football club.

I think we will be looking to try and replace Justin.

However, in the meantime, if we can't manage to get the right person Justin is available to come back after the end of the season in America in September. The option is there and there's a possibility he may return but a number of things would have to drop into place.

It may be that he wants to move on and do something different or we may find a replacement but that option is definitely still there.

It's something he's thinking about and I am also thinking about it.

Rapinder Gill is not a direct replacement for him as he is a different sort of player to Justin. I don't think they are the same sort of players.

We would be looking for a similar sort of player to Justin, someone who's going to win headers and be nice and strong.

They would also need to be a danger at set-pieces at the other end, which Justin was.

He created a lot of goals for us from set-pieces, winning knock-downs and he's scored his fair share as well.

On the injury front, Shabir Khan has done his hamstring which will probably put him out until the end of the season.

However, I would hope to have Chris Smith and George Clegg fit for Saturday's match at home to Hucknall Town.

Danny McDonnell, Adam Webster and Tom Warmer all played for the City XI in Paul Carty's testimonial on Monday.

They wanted to show their appreciation to Paul and I have got no problem with that.

He has been a great servant for the football club and football in general.

He's been a credit to the game and I am pleased that Worcester honoured him in that way.