The defender left the Ram Meadow-based outfit at the end of last week to join Mildenhall Town FC's new management duo in the Ridgeons League Premier Division.

The double departures have forced Blues team manager Richard Wilkins to look for replacements and he is hopeful of filling the gaps sooner rather than later.

Wilkins confirmed that he was involved in negotiations to bring an experienced defender to the club and was hopeful that financial restrictions would not prevent a move.

"We need to bring in players that are as good as, if not better, than those already available to us," said Wilkins.

"To achieve that is becoming increasingly difficult and we are having to look at players with clubs in a higher league," he added.

The knock-on effect of this is a bigger financial commitment needed from the club and its backers.

"It is at times like this that the ambition of the club is tested," added Wilkins.

Murkin had recently returned from a long-term injury and been involved in Ryman League Division One North action over the last month – playing a part in the Blues' last seven games.

"I was a bit disappointed by the circumstances around the move but we now have to put that behind us and concentrate on our league position," said Wilkins.

The Blues, who had their home game against altham Abbey on Saturday postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, return to the road tomorrow, travelling to Witham Town.

It will be Town's fourth successive away game and Wilkins is looking for three points to consolidate his team's Ryman League Division One North top seven placing.

AFTER seeing his side suffer a dramatic loss of form in recent weeks, Thetford Town FC manager Simon Brooks has moved to boost his squad.

Strike duo Andrew Wood (20) and Simon Mann (23) joined from Walsham-le-Willows and Dereham Town respectively on Wednesday.

Both players are expected to make their debuts when the Brecklanders entertain Downham Town tomorrow (ko 3pm).

The Mundford Road chief's raid of Ridgeons League Premier Division players is expected to continue over the Christmas period, with an yet to be named full-back top of his wish list.

"I feel we have let our standards slip over the last month," Brooks said. "I am determined to put things right and if that means new players, then so be it.

"Andrew and Simon both have experience in a higher league and they are capable of scoring plenty of goals."

The Brecklanders have won one of their last six matches, while thier Norfolk opponents – who are third – have lost once in 13 league outings.

"It is going to be a tough match, but we are more than capable of gaining three points," Brooks added.