THE departure of Billy Paynter could pave the way for Vincent Pericard to establish himself in the Town first team, according to Under 18 coach Paul Bodin.

With Paynter set to move to Leeds on July 1, Danny Ward already returned to his parent club and Billy Bodin yet to make a first-team bow, Bodin feels Pericard is currently the obvious choice to partner Austin next season.

“I think Vince has got another year (on his contract) so maybe it’s time for him to come to the fore with a full pre-season under his belt,” said the former Wales international.

“I’m sure he’s disappointed not to have played many games but he could be the answer.”

However, Town boss Danny Wilson could yet be tempted to delve into the transfer market in search for a replacement for Paynter, who was just one short of the 30-goal mark in all competitions last season.

And Bodin believes that diamonds are there to be unearthed should Wilson go down that route.

“Twenty-nine goals from any team is huge and it’s a difficult task to find the man who can get that, but then we found one in Charlie so they are out there,” said Bodin.

“There will be a lot of free agents this year and the gaffer and (chief scout) Ken Ryder will have lots of thinking to do about where their first move is.

“I’m sure there’s strikers out there who could get you 15 and 20 goals. But I don’t know what Danny’s thoughts are, that’s for him to answer.

“From my point of view there’s enough quality in the squad. I personally think that we could nick an automatic spot next year.”