Ex-Kingtsonian striker Andre McCollin may be on the brink of a Ryman PRemier League return, but it might not be at Kingsmeadow.

The former Yeovil Town striker was released by Aldershot Town last week, having scored just four goals in 28 appearances for the Conference Premier outfit.

The 30-year-old, who scored 30 goals for Ks when partnered with Ryan Moss two seasons ago, joined the Shots in October, having scored 12 goals in 23 appearances under boss Tommy Williams in the opening months of last season.

But the Kingsmeadow chief has been in constant dialogue with the striker since he left the club and has already discussed his plans for next term with the player.

But Ks will face stiff competition from elsewhere in the game with ex-boss Alan Dowson, now at Hampton & Richmond Borough, keen to pair McCollin with Beveree legend Charlie Moone.

“He was great for me at Kingstonian and I’m putting my hat in the ring to get him to Hampton,” said Dowson, who met with the striker last week.

“I am probably one of a long list of managers hoping to sign him, but it would be massive to bring him here.”

Williams reckoned Ks had as good a chance as anyone else of landing the prolific hitman.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Andre. He is a great character and someone we would obviously love to have in the team,” he added.

“I thought he did OK in the Conference, but was unlucky the manager who signed him was sacked shortly after he got there.

“I’ve kept in touch with him. He loves the club and has come back to watch us a few times since he left.

“We have a budget that we have to stick to and there are lots of other clubs interested in him too. He knows this level inside out, but he is keeping his options open.”

Dowson swooped for Ks midfielder Josh Casey last week as Hampton loosen the purse strings in a bid to return to the Conference South.

Williams has countered that move by securing the services of Malachi Hudson on a one-year contract after the former Walton Casuals man impressed during a two month loan spell from Welling United last term.

“I have no hard feelings towards Josh. Player movement is part and parcel of football,” said Williams.

“We made him an offer, but Hampton are going with a big budget at the start of the season and he has moved for a fresh challenge.

“I do not hold that against him and thank him for his efforts.”

He added: “Once Malachi got used to the environment and the way we do things, he really improved in his second month with us and we are delighted he has made the move.

“We have to make changes and there will be more new players arriving in the next week or so.”