STRIKER Marcus Palmer has left Cirencester Town and returned to Evesham United.

Ironically, his first game for his new club could be when Cirencester entertain Evesham in the Zamaretto Premier League on Boxing Day.

"Marcus was unhappy about not starting games and although I did not want him to go, I wasn’t going to stand in his way if he thinks he can get games at Evesham," said manager Brian Hughes.

"Marcus is a nice lad, a pleasure to deal with and always tries.

"But his position was weakened when we decided to switch to 4-4-2 from playing three up top.

"Changing system and also bringing Mark Draycott in from Didcot has added to the competition for places among our strikers."

Palmer, 22, came through the youth system at Cheltenham Town before having spells at Hereford United, Gloucester City, Solihull Moors, Forest Green Rovers, Chippenham and Evesham.

He scored six goals for Cirencester in 15 league and cup appearances after joining in the summer. Hughes also revealed that, with sidelined midfielder Nathan Davies still waiting to have an ankle operation, he is trying to bolster his midfield options.

"We have put in a seven-day approach for Swindon Supermarine’s Justin McKay," said Hughes.

"The boy has a good pedigree, having come through at Swindon Town. He comes highly recommended by one of our coaches, Steve Hale, and he is not getting games at the moment.

"If things go to plan, he could be involved for the Evesham game."

Cirencester Town’s game with league leaders Truro City had to be postponed on Saturday.

"I spoke to Truro on Saturday morning and the pitch was playable but we have seven inches of snow, the players were struggling to make it in and our coach company refused to travel.

"We are on a good run of form and we would have loved to play Truro because no one relishes having to make a 400-mile round trip to play them on a midweek evening."