HE was signed in the wake of Richard Gillespie’s departure – and Mark Gamble is revelling in the task of filling those prolific boots.

When goalscoring legend Gillespie left Bashley for Eastleigh in June, the New Foresters’ Southern League prospects looked pretty bleak.

With fellow forward Ryan Moss having also headed for the exit, Bashley’s goal threat had all but disappeared.

But just when fans might have been beginning to worry, manager Steve Riley captured the signature of Gamble, and the team have never looked back.

Recruited from Premier Division rivals Farnborough, the Northern Ireland-born talent wasted no time in displaying his attributes, notching 10 goals during a fantastic run of pre-season form. And his goals have not dried up, with a further seven in 13 appearances since the games became competitive.

The 23-year-old, who graduates from Southampton Solent Uni-versity next week, is set to lead the Bashley front line in tomorrow’s FA Trophy second qualifying round clash against Marlow at the Recreation Ground (3pm).

He is relishing the challenge and admits he has “loved every minute” with his new club.

Gamble, who works in Saints’ community set-up, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic and it was probably the best move I could have made from Farnborough.

“Coming to a club like Bashley, there is not as much pressure. All the experienced players like Chris Ferrett and Paul Gazzard have helped, and it also speaks volumes for Steve Riley.

“He is probably the best manager I’ve played under. He’s a proper one-to-one manager.”

Although it is easy to compare the two, Gamble, who played in the Irish league for hometown club Ballymena before heading to university, thinks he is a totally different player to the man he took over from.

Asked about being signed to replace Gillespie, Gamble said: “I was aware of that before I signed, but I’m a different type of player.

“I’m not going to score 40 goals a season. I will probably create as many as I score. I like to get in behind defenders, which is probably the only comparison.”

Gillespie is one player Gamble has not had the pleasure to play with, but those team-mates still plying their trade at the Recreation Ground have found favour with the striker.

Gamble believes a title challenge should not be ruled out, given the talent at Riley’s disposal.

“I’ve never been at a club which has had as much team cohesion as we have,” he added.

“I knew Steve Riley a bit from the time I was at Winchester City, but from the moment I met him one to one, I knew I wanted to sign for the club.

“He’s improved my game completely and the way the team play suits me.

“I really believe we can challenge for the league.”

Bashley’s Southern League push is on hold this weekend, however, with Marlow the visitors to the Recreation Ground.

Boss Riley is likely to shuffle his pack again, having rested a number of key players for Tuesday’s Red Insure Cup defeat at VT.

The only injury doubt for Bash is over defender Pete Castle, while Mike Mead, Duncan Bray, Dave Town, Jeremy Tarr and Tom Earles look unlikely to feature.

Bashley: (from) Elm, Prodomo, Hill, Ferrett, Middleton, Parnell, Knowles, Kelly, McCarthy, Mason, Castle, Knight, Gamble, Keeler, Gazzard, Allen, Riley.