However, having rejected three offers for the player, a final offer that smashes our record received transfer fee, the Board felt that they could no longer stand in his way particularly with Lancaster also making his desire to move on, clear. Stating he wanted to move up the pyramid and into full time football.

At Gainsborough Trinity we are committed to helping players develop and improve. And want to provide footballers with the opportunity to progress. Under the guidance of Russ Wilcox, we have also cultivated an ethos of consistency and continuity. The bottom line is that we cannot keep players, who do not wish to play for the club, against their will.

Lancaster took up the option to stay at Trinity in the Summer, which has enabled us to command a sizeable fee for the cultured central defender who could have left for free next summer with no compensation payable due to his age. Whilst naturally disappointed that Will has decided to only make the one step up at this time, whilst the football club still harbours aspirations to be competing in the National League North, next season, we wish him well in his future endeavours.

Russ and KP will be backed in the transfer market as they look to strengthen the side ahead of a busy run of games leading up to Christmas.