CAPTAIN Gavin O'Toole has rocked Evesham United by leaving the club.

The influential midfielder made his final Robins appearance in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bedford and is expected to join Racing Club Warwick.

United's caretaker-manager Paul West now requires a new skipper for tomorrow's Southern Premier Division showdown against high-flying Chippenham at Common Road (3pm).

"I wanted Gavin to stay," insists West. "He was the skipper and he's a big player for us. Through recent circumstances, he felt it best to move on.

"But, on the flip-side of that, we've got to have players who are 100 per cent committed to the cause.

"Gavin has not really been happy since Christmas time and we had a chat after the Bedford game."

West added: "We'll need a new captain and I've been thinking about it, because it's important to lead the side out. To be honest, I'm really looking for 11 captains out there. The armband is just a token gesture. I might just give armbands to all of them!"

While O'Toole moves on, star striker Richard Ball has shown his loyalty to the Robins by re-buffing a seven-day approach from Brackley Town.

West added: "Richard is not even thinking about moving. He ripped up their approach and that epitomises the attitude I want at this club.

"He's shown 100 per cent commitment and that's exactly what I'm looking for throughout the squad."

But leading goalscorer Ball begins a two-match ban and misses the visit of second-placed Chippenham.

Midfielder Steve Duncan and centre-half Lee Knight are still suspended for one and two games respectively.

West said: "We are up against one of the best three sides in the league. Chippenham are a high quality team.

"But we believe in ourselves that we can beat anybody. The players showed plenty of character at Bedford and we must reproduce that."