Dabbers disappointed over defender's exit

Nantwich Town Chairman Jon Gold has expressed his disappointment over Rod McDonald's decision to take up an approach by Conference Premier Hereford United.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Dabbers say that despite their best efforts to persuade the 20-year-old defender that his immediate future was best served at the Weaver Stadium, he's elected to sign for the Bulls on a short term contract until the end of the season. McDonald heads for Edgar Street after rejoining the Dabbers for the third time in December 2011 from Conference North Colwyn Bay.

Following confirmation on Monday that McDonald had opted to leave, the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division club's Gold said: "This is obviously disappointing news, as Rod was a key part of our team. While we believe he has a great future in the game and will hopefully go on to play at a higher level, we also hoped he would see the benefit of at least seeing out the season with the Dabbers and continuing his development.

"We have offered Rod a contract on many occasions this season, which would at least ensured that the club received some form of compensation from clubs wishing to sign him, but for some reason his advisors refused to agree to this and we reluctantly have no choice in the matter.

He added: "It's very disappointing, especially after losing Lewis Short, but is part and parcel of being a Non-League club. We will still have some great players and will remain positive and look to strengthen whenever we can."