AFC Totton’s wing wizard Mike Gosney is attracting interest from two Football League clubs.
The 22-year-old left-sided player capped a superb season by scoring a hat-trick and collecting the man-of- the-match award in last month’s Hampshire FA Senior Cup triumph against Aldershot at Dean Court.
Neither of Gosney’s potential suit ors wishes to be identified, but Totton boss Stuart Ritchie con firmed: “There are two showing an interest in Mike but they’ve asked us to keep it under wraps.”
With height, pace, set-piece preci sion and a wand-like left foot, Gosney has all the attributes to play on a bigger stage than the Zamaretto Southern One South & West.
AFC Bournemouth identified his talent during the 2006/07 campaign which culminated in an FA Vase final at Wembley.
Gosney trained with the Cherries that summer but then dropped off their radar after breaking a hand at the start of the following season.
If he does get his big break into professional football, no one would be happier than his mentor Ritchie, who feels the former Winchester City youth player deserves the chance to shine at a higher level.
Asked if the Stags had put a price on Gosney’s head, Ritchie said: “We’d never do that, but Mike’s not a kid any more, he’s a man now.
“He’s physically strong, he’s a fit lad and if he went to any Football League club he’d be right up at the front.
“I’m not here to stand in his way.
“Mike and I have a very good rela tionship and I’m here to help.
“But I’ve also got the club at heart and I’ve got to do what’s right by them.
“If Mike ends up staying with us, that’s great, but deep down I’d love to see him move on if an opportuni ty arises.
“He’s worked hard, kept his head down and looked after himself. He’s taken a few grillings from me but he’s got through it and come out stronger.
“Eastleigh made a bid for him a couple of years back, but I’ve always thought he’s better than a higher non-League club.
“He deserves his chance because he’s a very good footballer.”
Totton have made their first sign ing of the summer, bringing winger Jonathan Davies back to Testwood Park from Chippenham Town.
The former Salisbury City young ster had a spell on loan with the Stags two seasons ago.
Although predominantly a right- sided player, he capably filled in for the injured Gosney on the left.
Totton have also confirmed that last season’s top scorer Nathaniel Sherborne broke his arm in their ill- fated play-off semi-final game against Cirencester.
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