WISBECH Town were dealt a massive blow this week when inspirational captain Paul Cousins joined fierce rivals King’s Lynn Town.

Fenmen boss Steve Appleby said the club’s board had backed him to the hilt in his efforts to convince Cousins to remain at the club.

However, the 28-year-old centre back completed his move to The Walks on Wednesday night despite pleas from his club’s supporters to remain at Wisbech.

Appleby said: “Chris Dear (assistant) and I did our absolute utmost to keep Cousi. The board backed us 100 per cent like they always have done and we did all we could to keep him here.

“I’m gutted that he’s gone and I understand the fans’ disappointment but we’ve got to remember that Cousi has been brilliant for us and he’s decided to go down a new path.

“No one man is bigger than the club, players come and go, and although it’s a blow we’ll deal with it.”

Wisbech have already applied for promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 of the non-league pyramid as the club looks to mount a serious Ridgeons Premier Division title challenge next season.

However, the Fenmen boss insisted he will not “put the club in danger” by signing players on contracts and that Wisbech had to remain “sensible” financially despite wanting to progress.

Callum Reed’s shock move to Lynn on Tuesday “disappointed” Appleby as he expected the 20-year-old to move up the non-league ladder after an approach from Blue Square Premier side Cambridge United.

Appleby also said he had no problem with joint Lynn boss Gary Setchell. “We’ve both had a laugh about what we’ve said in the press in the last few days,” he said.

The Fenmen boss added: “We’re both doing the best for our own clubs and it’s nothing personal - it’s just part and parcel of football management.

“Football is a funny game and the fans will soon find another hero - the show must go on.”