HALSTEAD Town boss Mark Benterman believes departing star Jonah Gosling can shine for new club Chelmsford City.

The front man was a fans’ favourite last season but this week joined the Vanarama National League South Clarets.

Benterman says he always knew Gosling was too good for Thurlow Nunn League football.

And despite being sorry to see him go, he still believes his side are well-placed for the start of the new division one season, which gets under way tomorrow at home to Leiston Reserves.

“Jonah officially left us earlier this week but, in truth, we knew he wasn’t coming back after the season ended,” said the Humbugs boss.

“I got on the phone and tried to arrange some trials for him, because I knew he could make it.

“Chelmsford took him on and he obviously did well, playing against Football League sides (in pre-season).

“He has phenomenal pace and frightening ability.

“To be honest, he was too good for this level.

“I knew he had something about him when he came in last year from Brightlingsea.

“And he showed himself to be a real fans’ favourite in his time with the club, too.”