From the Basingstoke Town Official Site:
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Basingstoke Town have suffered a blow ahead of the opening friendlies of the 2007-08 Blue Square South season with the news that goalkeeper Stuart Searle is leaving to take up a full-time contract with Premiership side Chelsea FC.
The 28 year-old shot-stopper, who joined the club in November 2005, was Town's first choice 'keeper last season and one of the heroes of their FA Cup run. He was already involved in the academy set-up at Chelsea as a youth team goalkeeping coach on a part-time contract. As well as continuing and developing his role on the coaching side, Stuart will also be taking up a position within the playing staff at the West London club, to provide goalkeeping backup.
Dragons' team manager, Francis Vines, was obviously disappointed at losing Stuart but delighted to see him have the opportunity to further his career at such a high profile Premier League outfit. "It's a real blow to lose Searley. Good 'keepers are not easy to find and Stuart proved his ability with some great performances last season. The penalty shoot-out against Worcester in the FA Cup will live long in the memory. But it's terrific to see him get the chance to develop his career at Chelsea.
"We are busy now looking for the right player to take over from Stuart but it won't be easy," Vines continued. "He'll still be signed on Conference South forms and could be in a position to help us out in an emergency if Chelsea agrees, but we have to move on and find the best replacement we can."