HEYBRIDGE Swifts' striker Chris Bryan is set to join Blue Square Bet South side Chelmsford City and he goes with the blessing of both club manager Mark Hawkes and coach Barry Lakin.

A formal seven days' notice of approach from City for the 28-year-old striker was made this week but Swifts are happy to let him go straight away and progress to play at two levels higher in non-league football.

"If it all comes off then it will be a fantastic move for him and we wish him well," explained Lakin, who played for City himself. "I think he can make the jump up to Conference South level because he has the pace and power plus he can finish in front of goal.

"I think it's a great opportunity for him if he can agree terms."

Recently back from injury the striker, who lives at Great Waltham which is closer to City's Melbourne Stadium, scored seven goals in four games.

This is his second season at Swifts having joined the Scraley Road club from Halstead Town.

Lakin added: "Although you never like losing good players we would never stand in any player's way of progressing to a higher club and it's also a feather in the cap of Swifts too."

The management duo are already looking for a replacement for Bryan and Lakin also believes there are a couple of other players in his squad who are equally capable of moving upwards.

Coming in at Scraley Road has been ex-Chelmsford City midfielder Kevin Dobinson who was released late last week by Ryman League Premier Division side Canvey Island.

"He came in Saturday and did an excellent job as we knew he would in the middle of the park and he's a great signing for us because he has so much experience at this level," said Lakin. "The other big bonus is that central defender Lee Kersey also made a welcome return on Saturday.

"He's been out for five months following his cruciate knee ligament injury but he's now fully fit and desperate to play for us again which is a big lift for the club."

Both starred in Saturday's comprehensive 4-0 win over fellow play-off challengers Brentwood Town, which Lakin admitted was a strange game with the final scoreline perhaps slightly flattering.

"Brentwood were the better side in the first half but we were 2-0 up at the break having scored two quick goals much against the run of play," he said. "They came out stronger at the start of the second half but we coped well, got ourselves playing better and then we scored two late penalties and they had their keeper sent off which was a bit harsh.

"But you have take these games and the results when they come along and it keeps us on course.

"We now need to pick up the points at home this Saturday against Harlow Town and the following week away to Ware.

"That will keep us in the mix and still in with a chance and we've a full squad available for the first game."

Missing for the next three matches will be young midfielder Dan Foakes who was sent off in the recent league game against AFC Sudbury.

"Even with Chris likely to go to City we've got a strong squad."