YATE TOWN boss Rob Cousins has confirmed that Hector Mackie will not be returning to the club next season.

The midfielder has moved away from the area after graduating from Bath University along with flat mate Robin Nicholls, who also left the club.

Dave Stone is the only other member of last season’s squad to have moved on, having switched to local Southern League rivals Paulton Rovers, and the rest were joined by new signings Mitchell Page, Danny Wring and Mitchell Barnes at the first pre-season training session last week.

Cousins signed former Bath City star Mackie from Blue Square Premier side Hayes and Yeading last November and he played a big part in helping Yate rise from the bottom of the table to a 13th placed finish, scoring six goals in the process.

Yate’s home friendly against Gloucester City has now been changed from August 4 to Monday, August 6 (7.45 pm) to avoid a clash with the Louis Carey testimonial match between Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, where a big crowd is expected.

Their first friendly is away to Cadbury Heath on Saturday, July 21.

The Southern League fixtures will be released next Wednesday, July 18.