Nikki Bull says Freddie Ladapo's departure could not have come at a worse time for Margate, but he wishes the striker every success at Crystal Palace.

Ladapo's move to the Eagles was finally confirmed on Wednesday when it was announced that he had signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park.The fee is said to be £50,000 plus add-ons, one of which, it is understood, will be triggered if Ladapo plays in the top flight.

The 23-year-old's exit, following that of Jamie Taylor to Eastbourne Borough in February, means Gate boss Bull is left with just one senior attacker, Christian Jolley, plus teenage trio Greg Cundle, Corie Andrews and Dion Sembie-Ferris.

A bid to bring in former Stoke trainee Tomi Adeloye last Thursday failed because the paperwork could not be completed in time.

Bull reckons Gate still need at least two more wins to be safe from relegation and says losing 12-goal top scorer Ladapo makes that task even harder. The big number nine - who also trained at Barnet this season - last played for the club in the 2-1 home defeat to Hayes & Yeading on March 19.

Gate have scored just four times in their last seven Vanarama National League South matches, all of which have ended in defeat.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's crucial trip to Weston-super-Mare, Bull said:

"Freddie going could not have come at a worse time for me. I honestly thought that when we got through January without him going he'd be here until the end of the season."

Margate rebuffed bids from two clubs in January, one in the Football League and the other in the Vanarama National League, with Ladapo himself turning down a move to a National League side after a fee - rumoured to be not far off what he has gone for now - had been agreed.

Bull said then he always felt Ladapo would get a bigger opportunity and the Gate manager is delighted that proved to be the case.

Bull added: "We would never stand in the way of a player wanting to improve himself but I honestly felt thought Fred could do better.

"I sat down with him (in January) and told him to stay, keep playing well and that I was sure bigger fish would come in and so it has proved.

"I'm delighted for Freddie and I'm also pleased that my advice proved good. Since I've been in charge I've always tried to give my players the best possible advice and I think Fred respects that.

"I made mistakes when I was a young player so hopefully I can help them learn from my experiences."