Gainsborough Trinity defender Will Lancaster has joined National North side AFC Fylde in a club record transfer sale, despite the side rejecting three offers.
The centre back joined the club at the beginning of the 2024/25 season from Bradford Park Avenue where he spent a season after leaving Barnsley.
At 23-years-old he has since gone on to make 60 appearances for the Holy Blues and scored the injury time equaliser that would eventually allow Trinity to progress to last season’s FA Cup second round.
The Holy Blues bolstered their defensive line well in the summer with the additions of Adam Crookes who joined from York City.
Alongside that, they also acquired the signing of Harrison Beeden from Lancaster City with the 22-year-old featuring alongside Lancaster for the majority of this season.
Most recently, the club also announced the loan signing of Lincoln City centre back Charlie Parks who signed a professional contract with the Imps prior to this season.
A statement from Gainsborough Trinity said: “Russ and KP will be backed in the transfer market as they look to strengthen the side ahead of a busy run of games leading up to Christmas.”
Undoubtedly, Lancaster’s composure on the ball will be a big miss for the Holy Blues but they look well set for life without the defender.
If anything, this departure is a compliment to how Russ Wilcox’s side have set themselves up to allow players to progress beyond the club while ensuring the club’s security.
The statement also said: “At Gainsborough Trinity we are committed to helping players develop and improve. And want to provide footballers with the opportunity to progress.
“Under the guidance of Russ Wilcox, we have cultivated an ethos of consistency and continuity.
“Therefore, whilst naturally disappointed that Will has decided to only make the one step up at this time, while the football club still harbours aspirations to be competing in the National League North, next season, we wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Gainsborough Trinity currently sit tenth in the Northern Premier League, just six points off the play-offs with three games in hand on some sides.