WITTON Albion have announced the departure of Michael Wilson after he accepted an offer to join Clitheroe.

The defender has been picked to start just two of the Northwich club’s matches in the Northern Premier League this season and wants an opportunity to play more often.

Josh Wardle's arrival from Skelmersdale United in the summer, and his subsequent partnership with River Humphreys in the heart of Witton's defence, has left Wilson watching from the substitutes' bench.

Now 23, he was one of Carl Macauley’s first signings after he was appointed as first-team manager in October 2015.

The former Liverpool and Wigan Athletic junior has gone on to make almost 140 appearances in Albion’s colours and was an integral part of a side that secured promotion to the Premier Division after winning a play-offs final against Spalding United in April 2017.

Clitheroe, 16th in the West Division after six successive defeats, sent to Witton a seven-day notice of approach last week.