STEVE Riley has praised Poppies for their part in allowing former LA Galaxy striker Max Cream to join Bashley in a permanent move.

The nippy frontman has been attracting a lot of attention from clubs higher up the non-league pyramid with his silky displays for the Sydenhams Wessex outfit over the past month.

But Cream decided to move to the promotion-pushing Zamaretto Premier Division outfit on a full contract, much to Poole Town’s anguish.

And Bash boss Riley was delighted with the impact Cream made when he came on as a substitute during their 2-0 home league win over Truro in midweek.

Riley said: “Max has a bit of pace and an eye for goal, and we’re pleased to be able to work with him because plenty of other clubs wanted him.

“Poppies duo Kenny Vaughan and Danny Neville told me Max wanted to play at a higher level and we’re grateful he has the chance to do it with us.

“He’s got great pedigree and a great CV, and he’s a nice lad.

“Max came on for 10 minutes against Truro, and we’re just going to break him in gently.

“He’s had injury problems before, but we’ve had a good chat with him about that and he’ll be fine with us.

“Max adds a new dimension to our squad.

“He made some good runs against Truro and what he did, he did really well.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of him at this level, and would like to thank Poppies for their help in letting Max come here.

“It’ll be hard to change a winning starting 11 at Rugby tomorrow, but you never know, Max might start.”

Paul Gazzard, meanwhile, serves the final match of a suspension.

Bashley: (from) Elm, Smith, Parnell, Middleton, Knight, Knowles, Bottomley, Cream, Allen, Gamble, Maxwell, Keeler, Ferrett, Prodomo, Mead.