NATIONWIDE Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet are reeling from the loss of inspirational midfielder and skipper Jimmy Jackson who has moved to near neighbours Dagenham-Redbridge.

Jackson, 27, who was out of contract, has moved to Victoria Road on a free transfer. The club's longest-serving player, he moved to Stonebridge Road in July, 1994, after being released by Charlton.

He had been at The Valley for three years prior to his release. Manager Andy Ford explained: "Jimmy felt that he needed a new challenge. From a financial point of view we cannot compete with a club like Dagenham."