BRIDPORT have confirmed striker Tom Richardson has dual-registered with Toolstation Western League Division One side Wincanton Town.

Richardson has signed at the Wasps, with whom he spent time after leaving Bridport four seasons ago.

The former Portland United attacker, who has three goals in 14 appearances for the Bees this season, returned to Bridport in 2022 to join Chris Herbst’s revolution and has been at St Mary’s Field ever since.

However, Herbst admitted his frustration at Richardson’s decision to sign dual terms with the Somerset side.

He told the Bridport News: “He’s dual signed with them. Me personally, I don’t want anyone else playing for another club because of the injuries last year.

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“When players went and played for a different team, they picked up injuries and then it screwed us over.

“Looking ahead this season, we’ve still got 19 games minimum and if we get into two cup finals I think it’s 22.

“I want people focusing on Bridport. We’ve got our task in hand, so I was a bit annoyed with that. But, unless you’ve got a contract you can’t tell them not to.

“Tom’s said his loyalty’s with Bridport so that’s all I can take from it.”

Adding complexity to Richardson’s situation is his ongoing battle with a knee problem.

The forward had already missed a number of weeks with the issue before signing with the Wasps.

It is understood the injury was aggravated during Wincanton’s 2-1 win over Shirehampton on Saturday, December 23, in which Richardson also scored.

Herbst added: “Tom’s definitely a few weeks with his knee. He played for Wincanton just before Christmas and then it flared up.

“He’s had this problem before and, really, he should’ve been playing against Axminster. He could’ve been playing in front of 500-odd people.

“I think he probably knows it was just a mistake, but it’s done now. It’s just frustrating because Tom’s a big player for us. It’s not what you want to see as a manager.

“We’ve got aims. We’re trying to get promoted and go far in the cups. Then, when you see one of your star players wanting to play for someone else, I can’t really get my head around it.”

If and when Richardson continues to play at Wincanton, Bridport would theoretically be left with only one fit striker in Sol Ayunga.

Brad Rowe is out for two weeks nursing an ankle injury sustained in the 0-0 draw with Axminster.

Asked if talks had since taken place with Richardson, Herbst said: “I’ve spoken to him about it and he’s just said his loyalties are with Bridport.

“But, at the moment, we’re trying to get another striker in. Now we’ve lost Brad it leaves us with just Sol.

“We’ve got Brayden Jones but he goes back in two weeks because he’s getting deployed and will be away for three months.

“Hopefully in the next week or so I should have something.”

Weather permitting, Bridport travel to Crediton United on Saturday (3pm).