TWO of Barnton’s star players have left the club.

Former skipper and club golden boot winner Colin Quirk, who was also on boss Leon Knight’s backroom staff, and goalkeeper Adam Judge have left Townfield.

The Villagers were 7-1 winners against Rochdale Town on Saturday, a victory that sees them return to the top of the North West Counties League First Division.

But chairman Ian Ross admits he is “absolutely gutted” to have lost two of the team’s top players.

“Not only are they both excellent players have had a big impact on the pitch at this club, they are fantastic lads who we will miss in the dressing room and in and around the club at Barnton,” he said.

“We understand as a club that things happen and players move on, it happen at every club up and down the country, but it makes it harder when the players that move you've become good friends with away from the club.”

Ross said the pair would be welcome back at Townfield. However, Knight has moved to replace Quirk, and former coach Andy Dawson, on the coaching staff with defender Danny Meadowcroft.

"When Knighty asked and Andy backed it up it was very hard to turn the opportunity down,” said the defender.

“It's something I wanted to get into, perhaps it's come sooner than I thought but I've got good people around me to help and gain valuable experience from.”

Knight added: “I felt it was right that Meads, who has played professionally and knows the game at this level, was right for the role.”