THE Danny Hurst contract saga is finally over after Radcliffe Borough sold the 26-year-old goalkeeper to Fleetwood yesterday.

Hurst, who had refused to sign a new deal with Borough, moved to Borough's fellow UniBond Premier League side after the club's agreed a four-figure fee for his transfer.

"I'm naturally disappointed, because I think Danny is one of the best keepers we have ever had at the club," said Borough manager Andy Johnston.

"Danny felt the time was right for a move, and we couldn't stand in his way. I thought he would end up at a club in a higher division than Fleetwood but he got offered a good deal there and is pleased with the move.

"Danny has been a fantastic servant for the club, and we wish him all the best."

Hurst admitted it was difficult to leave behind a club he had spent six and a half seasons with, but feels the time was right to finally sever his ties with Borough.

"I needed a change to be honest," said Hurst. "I needed a new challenge for my career and I think Fleetwood offers that.

"I spoke to Fleetwood's manager and chairman, and their ambition impressed me. I liked what they had to say, and I hope I can do well for them.

"I always said that I would only leave Borough for a club in a higher division. There were other bigger clubs interested, but there's a difference between being interested and backing it up with a firm bid.

"Mossley did make an offer, but I wasn't really interested and didn't even speak with them.

"Now, I have to get my head down and do well for Fleetwood. They have a lot of games in hand in the league because they ended up getting to the FA Cup First Round, and I reckon they can get into the play-offs with a bit of luck and a good run of form."

Hurst will be replaced at Borough by Vauxhall Motors goalkeeper Tim Dittmer - but not until February.

"We have agreed a deal with Tim and he has promised to sign for us, but he is needed at Vauxhall at the moment and they can't let him go until they get their first choice goalie back in action," said Johnston.

"That means I will play in goal for the next three games, and I'm okay with that. I am surprised with the way I have played in the last couple of games and pleased with my form.

"It it means we get Tim by waiting a few extra weeks, that's more than fine by me."

Johnston did, however, stress that the money brought in from the Hurst deal will not be going on new signings.

"The money will be going into the club for ongoing projects," said Johnston.

Hurst is not the only player leaving Borough, as Ryan Fisher has joined Clitheroe after failing to hold down a regular starting spot in Johnston's side.

"Losing Ryan is disappointing, but we understand his decision," said Johnston. "Ryan has been a vital member of the squad but he has struggled to get a regular starting place because he has had players like Scott Warner, Scott Wilson and Martyn Forrest ahead of him.

"There are no hard feelings from us, and I wouldn't rule out us bringing him back in the future if the situation arises. You can never say never in football."

Johnston admitted there was little he could do to keep hold of Fisher, because the former Great Harwood man was not under contract.

However, he is hopeful that a similar situation doesn't develop with promising youngsters like Haydn Eames.

"You always run the risk of losing players in non-league when they are not under contract. But, we are hopeful of keeping Haydn," said Johnston.

"Haydn played for us at Guiseley last week, and hopefully he will want to stay with us now. We can't afford to put him on a contract, but we think Haydn is happy here and will stay with us.

"I am happy with the way he is performing in training and matches and couldn't ask for much more from him."