Gary Setchell paid tribute to Richard Bunting last night after his 'Captain Marvel' called time on his King's Lynn Town career.

The Linnets' boss beared no grudges with the departing central midfielder who has struggled with injury problems for the best part of a year. The 32-year-old played through the pain before having a groin operation in the summer and is set to have surgery an on-going hip problem at the end of this term. And Setchell said the pair agreed it was best if his skipper played his football elsewhere before he goes under the knife again.

Lynn's boss said: 'He spent a lot of his own money on having a groin operation and he's going to do the same next May to sort his hip out.

'He fully understands we've got a good squad and he's not playing as much as he'd like now. We've talked about this for a while and after paying all that money he wants to be playing as much football as he can and getting the most out of his body for the next six or seven months.'

Bunting signed from Long Buckby in the summer of 2012 and skippered Lynn to the Evo-Stik Division One South title last term.

'I wish him all the best,' said Setchell of the player who made 57 appearances for The Walks outfit.

'He played with injuries for 50 to 60pc of last season. He couldn't walk for days after matches. But he got his rewards by lifting the title for us. He'll have no problem getting another side as he's honest, loyal and a top player.

'He leaves with the great legacy of captaining a championship-winning side.'