Hampton's Wright is in demand

12:06pm Friday 9th January 2009

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Hampton & Richmond boss Alan Devonshire says suitors for striker Ben Wright will have to go through him if they are to prise him from the Beveree.

The Basingstoke-based front man bagged a hat-trick in Saturday's 3-0 triumph at Weston-Super-Mare, taking his goal tally to 12 as the Beavers stretched an unbeaten league run to eight matches.

His heroics came 17 days after helping Reading reserves to a 1-1 draw with Aldershot in a trial match that sparked rumours of a possible move to the Championship high-flyers.

Wright began the campaign as third choice behind regulars Ian Hodges and Lawrence Yaku, but injuries to Devonshire's first choice front two gave him his chance earlier this season.

A series of eye-catching displays has alerted a host of Football League scouts and has seen him retain his starting spot as Hampton's injury woes have eased in recent weeks.

Wright could follow the likes of Staines striker Mark Nowokeji, Tooting's Michael Antonio and former AFC Wimbledon winger Robin Shroot from non-League into the professional ranks in the last 12 months.

And Devonshire reckons whatever happens will only be good for the club.

“A lot of it is paper talk but Ben played one game for Reading before Christmas, he did well and they are monitoring his situation,” he said.

“He is under contract with us and there is nothing concrete until they come to me with an offer of some description. I haven't heard anything so far.

“Ben was excellent at the weekend. Everything he did was very good. Injuries have given him his opportunity and he has taken it.

“If anyone comes in for him we are not going to stand in his way. If he goes or stays it can only be good for the club.

“I mean no disrespect, but we have taken a lot of lads who have done nothing and turned them into something.”

Devonshire was bemused Saturday's triumph was allowed to be staged in the first place given the icy conditions and was relieved three points didn't come at a price.

“I though it was very dangerous and I told the referee. It was a bit of a lottery and I thought we adapted better,” he added.

Hampton are in position to launch a promotion bid in the new year and will out to avenge two Ryman League Premier Division defeats to current league leaders Chelmsford City.

“We have probably drawn more games now than in the whole of last season. A few more wins and we'd be looking much better,” he said.

“Whatever the result, the title isn't going to be decided at the weekend. There is a still a very, very long way to go.”

Hampton's next three fixtures: Jan 10 Chelmsford City (a), 17 Team Bath (a), 24 Thurrock (h).