CHRISTCHURCH have lost their battle to keep long-serving captain Mark Smith – with former manager Graham Kemp swooping for his services.

The veteran midfielder has ended weeks of speculation by choosing to step back up to the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division with Kemp’s Bemerton, quitting Hurn Bridge after seven years.

Smith’s future was thrown into doubt after being disciplined by then-Christchurch boss Adie Arnold, who said the issue had been “the final nail in my coffin” when he was sacked 13 days ago.

Kemp revealed talks with Smith had been accelerated by that spat at the start of the month and that three weeks of protracted negotiations had helped beat off interest from Bournemouth Poppies and Hamworthy United.

“It was difficult,” said Kemp. “Mark, Fiona (Clements, Christchurch chairperson) and I have known each other a long time and been chatting for the past few weeks.

“I spoke to Mark quite early but wanted to give him time. He wanted to play in the Prem and was frustrated at the lack of midweek games in Division One.

“When it became clear he wanted to go anyway, I pushed a bit more.”

Priory host Ringwood Town in Division One on Saturday, while winless New Milton journey to Pewsey Vale.

In the Premier Division, backmarkers Poppies host Whitchurch, Brockenhurst entertain AFC Portchester and Hamworthy welcome Andover. Verwood travel to Horndean, while Lymington are at home to Fareham (all 3pm).