Blue Square Premier Review
by Chris Ray

The most anticipated departure from the Blue Square Premier has seen Forest Green Rovers' prolific striker Stuart Fleetwood complete a move away from The New Lawn to join Coca-Cola Championship side Charlton Athletic.

22-year-old Fleetwood, who scored 36 goals in all competitions last season, moves to The Valley on a three-year deal and has already signalled his intent to make an instant impact in south-east London.

Gloucestershire based Rovers have been dealt another blow off the field with Chairman Colin Gardner stepping down after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Elsewhere, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo's protracted move from Premier League Champions Manchester United to Spanish giants Real Madrid, the transfer saga of the summer looks like being contested between play-off final losers Cambridge United, and newly relegated Wrexham.

Paul Carden, who spent most of last season on loan with 'The U's', was reported to have signed a pre-contract agreement with the Welsh side, but this week was unveiled as part of the new management team at The Trade Recruitment Stadium alongside Gary Brabin, replacing Jimmy Quinn.

Wrexham are said to be assessing their position regarding the former Accrington Stanley midfielder.

Torquay United, beaten by local rivals Exeter City in the play-offs, and by Ebbsfleet United in the FA Trophy final, have signalled the end of an 11-year-old era at Plainmoor with the exit of 32-year-old Kevin Hill.

Hill, Torquay's record appearance maker, played his 474th and final game for the Devon outfit during the 1-0 defeat at Wembley in May, and moves to Dorchester United.

Trophy winners Ebbsfleet have strengthened their squad with the recent re-signing of Brentford defender Darius Charles on a season-long loan, and acquisition of former Gillingham midfielder Craig Stone on a free transfer.

Stevenage Borough, whose promotion push last season was affected by the loss of several players to the Priestfield club, have added to the signing of Harriers striker Iyseden Christie with no less than seven additional arrivals at Broadhall Way, including former Nottingham Forest forward Craig Westcarr and centre-back Mark Albrighton, who played under new 'Boro' manager Graham Westley at Rushden & Diamonds last season.

Rushden's Curtis Woodhouse has again decided to retire from football at the end of the coming season to focus on his blossoming boxing career.

The 28-year-old welterweight and former Birmingham City midfielder has made no secret of his desire to challenge for major titles both at home and abroad after winning seven straight fights, the most recent coming earlier this month as he defeated Wayne Downing in just 57 seconds.