BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker has confirmed that centre-back Alan Hill has left the Bees for Portland United.

Hill, who found opportunities hard to come by last season with the signing of Chris McGrath, has been allowed to join Brendon King’s Blues, but has so far not made an appearance.

Commenting on Hill’s departure, Fricker told the Bridport News the defender had been a reliable performer during his stay at St Mary’s Field.

He said: “Alan made the decision at the back end of last season to stop playing because he’s trying to get into the fire service.

“I think once that’s finished he is probably going to look to head up (to Portland).

“It’s difficult for Al, he was really great for us last season and the first season he was at the club, but I don’t think he ever played as much as he wanted to.

“He was always someone that we could rely on and come in and do a fantastic job for us. But likewise, we’ve got some very good centre-halves.”

Hill was an unused substitute in Portland’s 1-0 Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division win over AFC Portchester.

However, he did not feature in King’s matchday squad for the 2-0 FA Cup preliminary round loss to Bitton on Saturday.

Last season, the former Bridport man made 30 appearance for the Bees, starting 12 times.

Although failing to score or provide an assist, Hill’s copybook was clean with no yellow or red cards.