THE SUMMER football transfer market is hotting up, and there have already been some surprising moves between rival clubs in the Ridgeons Premier and First Divisions. Soham Town Rangers manager Ian Benjamin was clearly angered by the decision of attacking

THE SUMMER football transfer market is hotting up, and there have already been some surprising moves between rival clubs in the Ridgeons Premier and First Divisions.

Soham Town Rangers manager Ian Benjamin was clearly angered by the decision of attacking midfielder Matt Robinson, 23, to leave the club and join rivals Mildenhall Town.

Robinson has been at Soham for two years and missed the majority of last season through knee injury.

And Robinson's decision to join last season's Ridgeons Premier runners-up disappointed Benjamin, who said: "I always told Matt that if a club from a higher division came in for him I wouldn't stand in his way.

"He said that he wouldn't go to another club in the same league but he has gone back on that.

"The move was obviously all about money. We just have to accept the decision and move on."

But Mildenhall manager Trevor Munns said: "Matt made it clear that he wanted to join us before we discussed finances.

"He is a versatile and talented player who is capable of playing at a higher level. If we can help him achieve that while benefiting from having a player of his quality at the club then that is great."

Benjamin's reaction was very different when confirming the news that defender Paul Hill, 34, was also leaving Soham.

Benjamin said: "The decision to let Paul go was one of the hardest I have ever had to make in the game.

"I felt that I wanted to make changes this season and lower the age of the squad.

"He has given me seven years of fantastic service in my time at Wisbech and Soham but I felt it was the right time to let him go.

"He has a great attitude and I wish him all the best."

But Benjamin remains upbeat and expects to sign new players within the coming days.

He said: "I don't want to reveal the names of the players until I have their signatures but I hope to bring in three or four new players.

"One is a winger and another is a central defender and there is a centre forward I have been hoping to sign for three seasons - hopefully, we can convince him to sign this summer but I won't know until next month."

Benjamin added: "We suffered from injuries last season and I want to introduce more competition for places this time.

"I think that we will be much better next season and hopefully challenging for honours."

Munns admits it will be difficult for Mildenhall to improve on last season but he remains positive after completing the signings of several players.

Also joining Robinson at the club are centre half Dave Werthman and striker Andy Pettit, both from Newmarket Town.

Munns said: "It is encouraging that players are coming to me and asking to play for the club.

"It is not just about money. They can see that we are taking the club forward and have lots of ambition."

He added: "The Ridgeons Premier will be stronger next season and there will be five or six clubs challenging at the top but I think that we are improving year on year."

The rivalry between the two clubs is sure to intensify given that they have been drawn to play each other in the first round of next season's Ridgeons League Cup.

Mildenhall will entertain Rangers in the match that will be played in the week commencing October 22.