LANCASTER City boss Phil Wilson has been rocked on the eve of the Nationwide Conference North season by Paul Sparrow's decision to take flight from Giant Axe.

But that blow was softened by the arrival of Crewe starlet Andrew Bond on loan.

Cult hero Sparrow was due to line-up at the heart of City's defence for Saturday's tough clash at Hinckley United.

Two months ago he pledged his future to the club - not the U-turn has left Wilson looking for replacements.

He is likely to hunt around for a defender after Sparrow's decision left the Dolly Blues with just Iain Swan and Joe McMahon as recognised centre halves, although Andy Scott can fill in.

Despite the Sparrow saga, the Giant Axe chief is focussed on Saturday's trip to the Marston Stadium.

"Losing Paul is a blow I tried on Sunday and Monday to convince him to stay but he had made his mind up and now we need to look to Saturday," says Wilson.

"But we have a stronger squad than last year."

That squad has been boosted by the return on loan of Crewe starlet Andrew Bond, a 19-year-old team-mate of Wilson's son Kyle at Gresty Road.

Saturday's game is a big one for City after a long pre-season campaign that finished with a 2-2 draw at home to Witton Albion on Saturday.

Sparrow, meanwhile, has no shortage of suitors - among them Kendal Town boss Tony Hesketh.