Steve Kittrick sad to lose John Disney

The Bucks had agreed a non-contract deal with the player – and Kittrick said: "I thought his word was his bond."

But the Telford boss hopes to make further signings this week as his summer rebuild continues in preparation for a promotion push in the non-league's second tier.

Disney's departure to Keys Park, where he spent two successful years from 2012-2014, on a one-year contract was announced by the Pitmen yesterday.

It will have been a surprise to many as the 23-year-old right-back had already agreed a new non-contract deal with the Bucks for next season.

That news was announced by Telford earlier this month – but the deal had yet to be signed and Kittrick said Hednesford then put a substantial offer to the player to take him back to Staffordshire.

Kittrick said: "I am disappointed that he has gone after he'd agreed to stay with us.

"We had agreed terms verbally and we both said there was no rush to get it signed. I thought his word was his bond.

"But obviously he has had this put in front of him and he's said it is an offer that he can't refuse."

Telford had improved their offer to Disney once informed of Hednesford's intentions, but it was not enough to prevent his departure.

Disney arrived at the New Bucks Head in January following his release from Chester and he went on to make 15 appearances for the Bucks in the non-league's top flight.

The stopper previously helped Hednesford win promotion from the Evo-Stik Premier Division and then reach the Conference North play-offs in consecutive seasons in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Kittrick will not dwell on the setback and continues his overhaul of the playing squad in the coming weeks.

He is closing in on reinforcements in several positions and he said: "Hopefully there will be more signings this week and next week."