YORK City boss Chris Brass has expressed his disappointment at Richard Hope's decision to renege on a verbal agreement and sign for Chester City.
Centre-back Hope, 25, had indicated a desire to stay at Bootham Crescent when offered a new contract by Brass at the end of last season but has now agreed two-year terms with last season's Conference champions Chester City.
Brass blamed Hope's agent for the player's change in mind and for manufacturing a move to Cheshire.
City's player-manager said: "I spoke with Richard yesterday and he told me he had been offered a better deal and wanted to stay in the league but I think the magical work of agents have got this moving. Richard has done what he thinks is right for himself but we agreed terms and I thought it was a done deal so I'm disappointed.
"He did quite well last season and there's also the fact that we were true to him in offering him a longer contract after his first three-month deal. I've stayed loyal to this football club but the nature of today's players seems to suggest there's not a lot of loyalty in the game any more and you have to accept that and we will draw a line under it now."
Brass had planned to partner Hope with new signing Steve Davis at the heart of City's defence next season and will now be in the market for a replacement.
The City boss said: "There's plenty of people out there and I found out this could be happening a while back although I only found out officially when Richard rang me yesterday. I will still be looking to get somebody in and am well down the track and have already spoken to other defenders. The majority of players are on holiday though at the moment."
If a replacement for Hope is not found, Brass might renew his Burnley central-defensive partnership with Davis or turn to Stuart Wise if he is offered a new Bootham Crescent contract next month.
Teenage defender Sean Davies would be another option.
Former City loan midfielder Kieron Durkan has joined Conference Two North club Runcorn.
Durkan, 30, turned down a move to Halifax to join the part-time Lancashire outfit after being released by Swansea.
Meanwhile, City fans are being reminded to attend tomorrow night's Supporters Trust renewal evening at Bootham Crescent's Social Club.
Clubman of the Year Darren Dunning has accepted an invitation to attend the function which will save the club money in postal costs.
The bar will be open from 7.30pm and there will also be a fundraising and volunteers session hosted by Trust board member Kirsten Gillies.
York Minstermen founding members Dave Potter and Carol Abel will also be promoting the new supporters group and enrolling interested fans.
The Supporters Club annual general meeting will also be held in the Bootham Lounge from 7.30pm tomorrow night and, following the completion of agenda items, members will be able to question chairman Steve Beck.
A donation of £500 will also be handed over by the Supporters Club to assist the funding of works to be carried out at Bootham Crescent over the summer.
Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article