The midfielder moved to Blue Square Premier rivals Cambridge United yesterday, giving Hill more money to spend in his search for a forward following the horrific injury to Daryl Clare who is ruled out for eight weeks.

The Diamonds boss revealed: "We're in the market for the right player.
"I've already made inquiries to Football League clubs over buying a striker or signing one in a loan deal.

"We're not really that close at the moment. But I'm not panicking – even though we were unlucky with Daryl's broken jaw.

"Selling Jon allows me to free up one or two things if we need to because of that injury situation."

Challinor came through the youth ranks at Nene Park and returned to Diamonds last summer after losing in the Conference play-off final with Exeter City.

But the 27-year-old scored just five league goals – including three in March – after being the only ever-present squad member until injury forced him to miss the final game of the season against champions Aldershot Town.

Hill explained: "I had a chat with him and then we had an inquiry from Cambridge.

"They made an offer and I looked at £15,000 as very good business.

"We've got Rob Wolleaston, Andy Burgess, Curtis Woodhouse, Scott Mitchell, Michael Corcoran and Jake Beecroft who can play in central midfield.

"In an ideal world Jon would have liked to play more further advanced. But this summer we've signed Daryl, Lee Phillips and Dean McDonald.

"I don't think Jon really wanted to go. To be honest it was me pushing it through because I feel we've got other options in midfield, out wide and up front.

"I'm wheeling and dealing to balance the books.

"This is a good deal for us. Jon is a good player and I wish him all the best"