Wisbech Town boss Steve Appleby has praised the honesty of departing goalkeeper Lea Jordan after the shot-stopper announced he was leaving the Fenmen to join neighbours March Town United.

Jordan declared his intention to make the shock switch on Wisbech's fans forum on Wednesday. The 25-year-old said work commitments and fewer midweek games had played a big part in his decision to leave.

It is another blow to Appleby's side - after Callum Reed and captain Paul Cousins defected to fierce rivals King's Lynn Town just weeks after winning the Ridgeons Challenge Cup with the Fenmen.

Appleby said: 'Jordi is a quality lad and he's been honest and upfront, which has been appreciated, especially with what's gone on. I have got nothing but praise for him.

'He would have had to miss midweek games and that wouldn't work. I never wanted to lose Jordi and he doesn't want to go but we have got to be realistic.

'He got players' player-of-the-season which to me is the one that you want. It's your own team-mates and that means more than anything. He's certainly still held in high esteem at Wisbech.

'We have to move on and wish him well and hopefully our paths might cross again at some point.'

Appleby said he was ready to hand 22-year-old back-up goalkeeper Chris Horton the number one shirt.

'I have decided to give Chris his chance,' he said. 'He's had a few knocks but he's bounced back and he looks keen and hungry again. He has shown me his is ready to take his chance.

'His attitude is spot on and he's a Wisbech lad. With Cousi going, I still want some Wisbech players there. I need that loyal base. He's got a lot of feeling for the club and he wants to do well.'

Appleby said he was looking at signing a replacement for Cousins as well as a midfielder and possibly a wide attacking player.

'It's a ridiculous time of year,' he said. 'The vultures are out and you've got pressure from all sides. People will tell you one thing and then do another.

'I play it straight and I want to know where I stand. I want people who want to play for Wisbech. I'm talking to two centre-halves from a higher level but the big thing we need to remember is that for the last 10 games of the season Paul Cousins didn't play and we went unbeaten.

'A lot has been made of Cousi leaving but it's not as though we are desperate for a centre-half. We have got three cracking lads here already.'