JAMIE Heapy said Felipe Barcelos’s departure from Didcot Town was down to worries over travelling.

The striker signed for Thatcham Town earlier in the week, bringing an end to his third spell with the Railwaymen.

Heapy met Barcelos after being appointed Didcot’s new manager last month.

But the Brazilian, who re-joined the club in February, expressed his concern over the amount of miles he was having to travel to play in Division 1 Central of the Evo-Stik South League.

Heapy was expecting Barcelos, who scored 28 goals for Didcot in 2017/18, to attract interest and said the former Oxford City man left for Division 1 South side Thatcham with his best wishes.

“Felipe was one of the first I spoke to (when I became manager),” he said.

“The other league is easier for him living near Swindon.

“We had an honest conversation and he told me from the outset he would struggle with the commute.

“He will be a big loss, he’s a good player, but all the best to him and we’ve left on good terms.

“If it doesn’t work out, we would be more than happy to have him back.”

Sam Barder has also left Didcot for Thatcham.

Speaking before the defender’s departure, Heapy had not expected to keep all of the squad he inherited from Andy Ballard.

He said: “We’re going to lose a couple, it’s silly season, everyone is talking to each other. But the majority will hopefully stay and give us a good platform to build on.”

Meanwhile, Premier Division Central side Banbury United have signed attacking midfielder Claudio Dias.

The 24-year-old, who was on the books at Northampton Town, returns to the Puritans for a third time after loan spells in 2013 and 2014.