Kingstonian winger Dean Lodge will start the pre-season campaign on a two-week trial at Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic, according to boss Alan Dowson.

The 23-year-old played a significant role in Ks Ryman League Division One South title winning season helping them to the flying start that ultimatly carried them to the crown.

Dowson's men will start pre-season training on Monday without the influential wide man, who endured a doomed spell with Northwich Victoria last season before returning to Kingsmeadow to help claim a league winners medal.

Ks manager Dowson insists life goes on although the former QPR trainee will be more than welcome to rejoin his squad should he fail to land another potential dream move.

"I've always said he would be better staying with us, but there is not a lot we can do to stop him going on trial elsewhere," he said.

"We just have to crack on with things and get someone else in if he is not going to be around.

"I'm already looking at four or five players in pre-season and that is the maximum we'll be looking at.

"He'll not play for anyone else unless they are at a higher level and if he becomes available again we'll play find a way of fitting him in.

"He is the sort of player you put in the team because he can get you something out of nothing."