Swaffham Town boss Paul Hunt says he did everything he could to prevent hot-shot striker Joe Jackson joining Wisbech Town this week.

Thetford & Brandon Times: 1stvBRIGHTR2 - Joe Jackson riding the tackle from the Brightlingsea left back1stvBRIGHTR2 - Joe Jackson riding the tackle from the Brightlingsea left back (Image: Archant)

The Thurlow Nunn First Division’s top scorer had been drawing admiring glances from a host of Premier Division clubs. And the 21-year-old frontman finally found it too hard to turn down an approach from a higher-level club and decided to end his near three-year spell at Shoemakers Lane.

“I talked to Joe about Wisbech’s interest and I said it was a bit too soon,” said Hunt. “I’d have liked him to have stayed longer and then we could have done more work together to develop his game.

“We’ve got aspirations of playing in that league and Joe was right in our plans to help us do that. He’s had lots of approaches and sometimes that can affect someone’s thinking about giving it a go.

“It was his decision to make though and he thought it was the right time to give it a go.

“There’s no animosity. I hope he does well there. You never know until you’ve tried it. There will be more pressure on him and expectation at Wisbech and on a personal level I hope he handles it well. I hope he starts flying and scoring goals. I wish him nothing but success.”

Jackson, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions for the Pedlars this term, made his last appearance for Swaffham during Saturday’s 2-0 home First Division Knockout Cup quarter-final defeat to Brightlingsea Regent, who won with a goal in each half.

Wisbech boss Steve Appleby insists his new striker is “far too good for the level he’s been playing at” and Hunt believes he could shine for the title-chasing Fenmen.

“He has all the attributes to do really well. He’s got good pace, two good feet, and he will score goals,” added the Pedlars manager. “I worked as hard as I could to try and improve his game and to his credit he wanted to work hard and listen. Joe’s not at his full potential yet and I hope Wisbech can help him reach it.”

Swaffham start life without their star striker on Saturday when they welcome Cornard United for a league clash.

On Thursday the U18s are at home to Newmarket Town, (7.45pm). On Saturday the reserves visit UEA (2.30pm) while the A team travel to North Elmham (2pm).