CWMBRAN Town have been rocked by the decision of leading goalscorer Mattie Davies to join rivals Barry.

Davies' goals helped propel Cwmbran to second in the League of Wales and a coveted UEFA Cup spot.

Now next season Davies will be playing for Barry in the first stages of the Champions League, and trying to help them keep the title he fought so hard to win for the Crows.

Although manager Tony Willcox is disappointed by the striker's decision, he isn't completely surprised.

"I had a feeling over the last few week's of the season that something wasn't right," said Willcox.

"But it still comes as a bit of a shock, and a disappointment. "When Mattie first came here his form made us think he was Football League material," he said.

"But he's been unlucky with injuries over the last couple of years, and then he got a little complacent in his training, put on some weight and started taking things for granted.

"In many ways he suffered because his discipline wasn't right. At Barry it'll be a full-time job where they train twice a day, and have their food monitored, and that can only help someone like Mattie.

"I hope he does well at Barry Town, but not to well. "After-all, we're going to try to take their crown next season, I hope he has a good season and they don't."

The loss of Davies, though, has not changed Willcox's focus for the coming months.

He is still determined to build a side that can win the League of Wales title next season.

But it means Willcox must find a striker who, in his own words, "can get you 20-25 goals a season."

And the Crows boss already knows who he wants, League of Wales player-of-the-year Graham Evans.

The Caersws striker, who helped his side to win the final of the Welsh Cup, is the man Willcox wants to fill Davies' shoes and is quietly confident that he'll get him.

"He is just one of several players I've looked at," said the Town boss. "And over the next few months I'm hoping to add some new faces to the side."