Skipper Tinson leaves Alty

10:15am Monday 9th June 2008

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ALTRINCHAM captain Darren Tinson has left the club to sign for hometown team Nantwich Town.

Tinson had originally committed himself to the Robins for another season but made the u-turn after receiving an offer from the Dabbers.

The 38-year-old centre half made 51 appearances for Alty after joining from Burton Albion last summer and manager Graham Heathcote said he will be hard to replace.

"I'm disappointed but I understand his decision," he told SAM Sport.

"I'm disappointed because when I went away there didn't seem to be a problem and he was staying here.

"But he's 38 and has just become a dad and the bottom line was that he can't do all the travelling anymore.

"He leaves on a good note and I wish him all the best at Nantwich."

Tinson's departure leaves Alty with just three recognised defenders in their squad, with only Greg Young, Chris Lane and Richard Battersby remaining from last season's squad.

The club are confident they will be able to announce the signing of one left-sided defender when his contract expires on July 1 and are also hoping to conclude a deal for another if contract issues can be resolved but the acquisition of a new centre back has become a priority.

Heathcote said: "Tinno's departure has thrown me a little bit.

"The problem now is that I have to put one or two moves on hold because getting a new centre half becomes a priority.

"I have to decide whether to go for an ex-league player who is looking to go part-time or recruit from one of the lower divisions.

"There are a couple of names on the PFA list but I'll wait till Graham Barrow gets back before we start making any moves."