Sharp, described by manager Shaun Gale as his 'Mr Reliable,' is due to take up a new job which will make travelling to the south coast for training and matches virtually impossible.

'It is a chance for me to guarantee a secure future for myself and my family who have to come first,' said Sharp.

'Milton Keynes is just that bit further away and it would be impossible to get down here in time for training and matches.'

Sharp missed the last fortnight of the season after suffering a depressed fracture of the cheekbone when making a typically brave clearance at Eastleigh.

'Losing Sharpy is a big blow because he has been a fantastic servant to the club,' said Gale.

'I know the player himself is gutted because he knows what we are setting out to achieve here.

'He would have loved to have been part of it.

'Obviously, we will have to look at bringing someone else in.'
One candidate to replace Sharp could be ex-Pompey defender Guy Butters who has just been released by Brighton. He has had talks with Gale.

'I had a chat with Guy on a couple of matters because I have known him since Pompey his days,' said Gale. 'He has been a good professional all his career.

'If we do possibly agree something he would be a quality signing.

'Some people might think his age is against him but he has looked after himself and kept very fit.

'Don't forget, he played 25 games in division two last season so we will have to wait and see what develops.'

Meanwhile, the Hawks are on the verge of signing last season's Blue Square South's joint-top goalscorer Paul Booth, from Lewes, for an undisclosed fee.

Booth is the second Lewes player to make the move along the south coast, joining ex-team-mate Ian Simpemba at West Leigh Park for next season.

The striker scored 34 goals last season, including 27 in the league, helping Lewes become Blue Square champions and earn promotion to the national division.

Before joining Lewes, Booth was also a prolific scorer for both Welling United and Cambridge City in the Conference South.

'If we get him he will be a great acquisition for us,' said Gale.

'He is a fantastic player with a great attitude, who works his socks off and knows where the goal is.'