HEYBRIDGE Swifts manager Jody Brown is saying goodbye to a trio of players.

Swifts’ pre-season Ryman One North preparations are well under way with the announcement of games against League One’s Colchester United and Skrill South Chelmsford City.

But there have also been a number of departures from Scraley Road as Brown attempts to mould his squad for next season, including striker Jamie Guy who has reportedly signed for Ryman Premier side Witham Town.

Brown said: “We are currently trying to retain the players that we feel can take us in the direction we want to go in the long term.

“Sadly that means there will be departures, but it also means that the right type of player will be recruited as replacements.

“We are in ongoing talks with two or three long-term targets, and will also be bringing in a few trialists for pre-season.

“I can confirm that we are parting company with Jamie Guy, Robbie King and Kevin Dobinson.

“I’d like to go on record by thanking the three of them.

“In my 25 games in charge, all played important roles at key times, and their experience and quality was instrumental in our success.

“All are a loss to the club, but its a good time to move in a different direction and build an exciting new era at our club.”

Swifts’ pre-season fixture list has started to take shape.

Colchester United will visit Scraley Road on July 15 whilst Swifts will travel to Catons Lane the following Tuesday to play Saffron Walden Town.

A charity tournament involving four clubs has been arranged for July 25-26 involving Canvey Island, Concord Rangers, Great Wakering Rovers and Heybridge, more details of venue and format will be known closer to July. The return of former manager Mark Hawkes and players Luke Callander and Michael Cheek will see Chelmsford City come to town on July 29.

Heybridge have also arranged to go to Brantham Athletic on August 2 before hosting Skrill South side Bishop’s Stortford on August 5.