Lowestoft Town boss Ady Gallagher insists he's working overtime to bring defensive reinforcements into Crown Meadow.

The Blues had already lost the services of former loanee Omar Sowunmi and Curtis Haynes-Brown before they were rocked by the departure of another central defender, Sam Gaughran, on Monday night. Gallagher admits he was stunned by the news and is already seeking immediate replacements.

The manager of the National League North outfit, who play at Step Two of the semi-professional pyramid, said: 'Sam's exit was unexpected as he was our captain last season and has played a massive part in the progress of our club.

'It's always disappointing to lose a player of his quality but his job at Peterborough United (youth-team coach) has changed so we thank him for his service and wish him well in the future.'

Ipswich Town's Sowunmi is joining Yeovil while Haynes-Brown, who failed to agree a new deal with the Trawlerboys this summer, has signed for Macclesfield.

Peterborough-based Gaughran's next destination is unknown but his departure is likely to have alerted the attentions of a host of the area's leading non-league teams, including King's Lynn Town.

Gaughran, in a statement on the Blues' official website, said that a change in his work circumstances meant he could 'no longer commit to what's required in regards to training, playing and the travel' that is expected to be met when playing for Lowestoft.