Gary Setchell insists he did everything he could to try and keep leading scorer George Thomson at King's Lynn Town.

The Linnets' boss suffered a hammer blow this afternoon when the 21-goal playmaker – who has found the net 13 times more than second-top marksman Steve Spriggs this term – decided to join Vanarama Conference outfit Chester, subject to paperwork being completed.

The 22-year-old spent a trial spell with the Blues during pre-season but has now returned to play his football two levels higher up the non-league pyramid.

'It goes without saying I am very, very disappointed to be losing George at this stage of the season,' Setchell told his club's official website. 'I had hoped to be able to hold onto George until the end of the season. Chester had a good look at him over the summer and I was hoping that their interest had gone away. However, they have come back and unfortunately George has made the decision to leave the club.'

The former Nottingham Forest Academy player arrived at The Walks in 2012 from Histon and made 119 appearances for Setchell. Neither club has confirmed money has changed hands for the transfer of the contracted player but a sell-on clause has been agreed if he leaves the Swansway Chester Stadium.

Lynn's boss added: 'I must stress that the club has done all it possibly can to retain George's services.

'He has made the decision and we will not stand in his way. I wish to thank George for all of his efforts whilst with King's Lynn Town. He has been a tremendous servant and we wish him well for the future.'

Setchell admitted last July he was almost powerless to prevent the classy operator from leaving Norfolk due to a clause in his contract – which was set to run out at the end of the season.