Danny Emmanuel has left Witham Town.

The Town midfielder won’t be lining up at the Village Glass Stadium for Witham next season as he has joined their Ryman League division one north rivals Maldon and Tiptree.

Witham manager Garry Kimble said Emmanuel had been enticed by the Jammers’ new link-up with League One side Colchester United and the chance to progress with the U’s, however, the Town boss was disappointed to lose an influential member of his squad.

He said: “I’m gutted to be honest.

“They have offered him this and that and we couldn’t match it.

“He thinks it’s progress in the right way, but I see it as a sideways step.

“The Colchester link has caught his eye as they have said there are chances to train with the Colchester development squad and that was too good for him to turn down.

“But Danny came and told me face to face and I have respect for that as he did things in the right way.

“It’s a big blow as he has been a big player for us, but life goes on.”