LINCOLN UNITED boss John Wilkinson is resigned to losing Sean Cann to city rivals Lincoln Moorlands Railway – but already has a ready-made replacement in Sam Mullarkey.

Cann is set to join ambitious Moorlands, with Wilkinson claiming the Whites cannot compete with the financial clout of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division outfit.

But the United boss has no qualms with the striker's decision to drop down from the Evo-Stik League, especially as Mullarkey has rejoined the club to spearhead their Division One (South) challenge this season.

"I'm disappointed to lose Sean, but I understand his reasons for going there," confessed Wilkinson.

"I probably would have been disappointed 10 years ago, but not with the way things are these days.

"He's been made a very good offer, which we can't compete with, and has got every right to take it.

"He goes with our blessing and we wish him all the best."

After being released by Lincoln City, Mullarkey briefly returned to the Whites last season, but was released, along with Jamie Forrester, as part of budget cuts at Ashby Avenue.

However, Wilkinson has been given license to re-sign the 22-year-old, who he also managed at Grantham.

"I think it took Sam a while to get over what happened at City," added the long-serving United boss.

"He was feeling a bit sorry for himself and he seemed to have lost some of his appetite for the game.

"But he's got his buzz back and has looked good in training.

"So while we may have lost Sean, we've got Sam."

But while he has tempted Mullarkey to Ashby Avenue, Wilkinson has admitted defeat in his attempts sign midfielder Paul Goodhand, who has instead re-signed for United Counties League side Boston Town.

Goodhand was axed by former Poachers boss Bob Don-Duncan last season, but has rejoined the club under new manager Martin Lakin.

"I've been trying to sign Paul Goodhand for about five years," admitted Wilkinson.

"But the circumstances aren't right for him with travelling so he's gone back to Boston Town. I think I'll have to admit defeat with that one."

Cann aside, Wilkinson is optimistic the rest of his squad will remain intact, including star players Matt O'Halloran and Steve Melton.

The manager also has high hopes for four youngsters – Shaun Wright, Chris Funnell, Scott Coupland and Luke Boyce – who are expected to push for first-team places this season.

Wilkinson is also hoping to add "two or three" experienced players to his squad before their league campaign kicks off on August 21.

"A couple of my targets look like they've fallen through, but I'm talking to two or three other people," said Wilkinson, who is also the club's secretary.

The Whites begin their pre-season campaign on Monday night with a trip to Blue Square Bet North outfit Corby.

United's pre-season programme also includes fixtures against Boston Town (away on July 31), Nettleham (at home on August 3) and Boston United (at home on August 7).