LIAM Brownhill is free to walk out on Witton.

The Albion full back has had his contract torn up by the FA after the game's governing body declared it invalid.

He is now expected to join home town team Altrincham, with whom he has already held talks.

The Robins' interest appeared to cool when Witton said they would demand a transfer fee for their most prized asset, who was capped twice by England C last season.

"We appealed to Soho Square but it seems that because the offers of re-engagement which were to be undertaken by the ex-manager were not completed in accordance with FA requirements, these became invalid," said acting Albion chairman Mark Harris in a statement released today, Wednesday.

He added that club secretary Graham Edgeley had agreed to take the blame for the mistake.

"The board backs Graham fully," continued Harris.

"We must now draw a line under this and move on."

The news is a blow to Witton, who had hoped to boost new manager Nigel Deeley's playing budget with cash from the sale of Brownhill.

The 21-year-old was one of ex-boss Jim Vince's first signings when he took over the first team reigns almost three years ago.

Vince successfully converted the right-footed defender to one of the finest attacking left backs in non-league football, a transformation that forced England scouts to become regulars at Wincham Park in the past 12 months.

Brownhill made more than 130 appearances for the club in league and cup - scoring eight goals - before agreeing a new deal to stay with Witton at the end of last season.

Vince's acrimonious departure persuaded him to re-think his commitment with a queue of admirers - Altrincham and Droylsden among them - forming for his signature in recent weeks.

"Everyone at the club is working very hard under difficult circumstances in a period of transition," added Harris, who has been in the Wincham Park hotseat for six weeks since the unexpected departure of predecessor Mike Worthington.