Malvin Kamara's parting gift to two Hampton & Richmond Borough team-mates is an assurance that they too will one day play in the Football League.

Kamara, at the relatively young age of 29, has brought down the curtains on a career which started with more than 100 Football League appearances for the likes of Wimbledon, MK Dons, Cardiff, Port Vale, Huddersfield and Grimbsy.

Five years on the non-league circuit followed, culminating two years at Hampton, but he has hung up his boots as he works in London and only gets to see his partner and child, who have moved up north, at weekends.

Although sad to be leaving Beveree, Kamara has tipped former team-mates Joe Turner and Tom Hickey to emulate him in becoming professional footballers.

He said: “Joe and Tom are both superb, and I can't believe they are still in the non-league game. I've known non-league players go on and play for Football League clubs who have only had half of their ability. I've also played with guys professionally who don't have their ability either. They both just need to stick at it, and need just that bit of luck to get their break.”

“I enjoyed my time in non-league football much more though as there is less pressure and expectation, and you get more close knit groups. I had a great time at Hampton, and I have no doubt they will turn things around.

“I know the lads are enjoying playing under Darren Powell and Paul Barry, and if my partner and child moved back down to London I would be back playing for Hampton in a heartbeat.”

Hampton's dreams of a tie against a Football League side died when they crashed out of the FA Cup 3-1 in the fourth and final qualifying round at Gloucester City on Saturday. They have another chance at cup glory, however, when they host Met Police in the FA Trophy second round tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Charlie Moone took his tally for the season to 15 with four goals as Hampton hammered Hendon 5-2 on Tuesday night, with Tommy Brewer also netting.