Herne Bay manager Steve Lovell wishes Jacob Gilbert well as midfielder leaves Isthmian South East side for new life in Dubai

Boss Steve Lovell has wished midfielder Jacob Gilbert well as he leaves Herne Bay - for a new life in Dubai.

Gilbert last played for Bay in their New Year’s Day derby 2-2 home draw with Ashford as he then headed for the United Arab Emirates for training with his work.

He had been scheduled to return to the UK but now has been offered a full-time job abroad and has even found a football club to play for.

Lovell said: “Jacob rang me on Monday.

“Unfortunately, he has got a job in Dubai. It’s not unfortunate for him.

“He has been out there for three weeks and had to do some training. They have offered him a job and, not only that, he has got a football team out there.

“I’m pleased for him because he’s a good lad. But we will miss him. It’s a hard decision between Herne Bay and Dubai – there’s not much in it!

“We’re sad he isn’t going to be with us – but I’m pleased he’s going out there.”

Bromley defender Sam German’s immediate future also lies away from Winch’s Field. German, initially brought in on loan in September, has now joined Isthmian Premier Kingstonian on an initial one-month loan.

Lovell hasn’t given up hopes the teenager could play for Bay again before the end of the campaign, though.

“Sam has gone out on loan to Kingstonian,” explained Lovell. “They have him for a month.

“Bromley wanted him to play in a higher league and that’s quite within their rights. We will see how it goes but, hopefully, there’s a chance to get him back for the last couple of months of the season.

“But Dan Carrington has taken his place and played very well.”

Prolific striker Michael Salako’s latest brace earned Herne Bay a 2-0 victory at struggling Phoenix last weekend, with a fourth straight Isthmian South East success taking them back