Bath City boss Adie Britton has failed in a bid to bring prolific marksman Danny Carey-Bertram back to Twerton Park.

Birmingham-based Carey-Bertram made four starts and four substitute appearances during a two-month, non-contract stint with City at the beginning of last season before financial constraints saw him leave for AFC Telford.

He went on to find the net 21 times before the end of the season, finishing as Telford’s top scorer as they reached the Blue Square North play-off final and lifted the Setanta Shield.

And he has agreed to stay at the New Bucks Head Stadium for 2009-10 despite the best efforts of Britton, who is seeking two new strikers after Dave Gilroy left for Newport County.

Britton said: “I’ve been talking to Danny for six weeks about coming here and he was keen.

“Telford have made some cuts but they’ve now upped their offer and he’s decided to stay there.

“I have kept in touch with him since he was with us and know he enjoyed his time with us and got on well with the lads. It’s a bit of a blow that he’s not going to come but we have other irons in the fire.”

Meanwhile, Martin Paul – City’s second top scorer of all time – has signed for Mangotsfield United.

Paul had been lined up for a player-coach role with City and attended a ‘meet the manager’ night with Britton in April.

Britton said: “It’s purely financial. We can’t offer him a contract.

“By choice I would have him on board because he’s brighter than most and is a future coach or manager at a high level.

“He’s got himself fit and wants to play a bit more next season and good luck to him.”