Scarborough Athletic boss Darren Kelly reacts as key trio Taylor and Walshaw head for NPL rivals Buxton

James Walshaw, Tommy Taylor and Chris Dawson have left Boro to sign for Buxton. Pictures: Buxton FC

Scarborough Athletic boss Darren Kelly insists the departure of a trio of his players for NPL rivals Buxton won't derail his plans or ambitions for the club.

Boro fans, and Kelly himself, were left stunned as Tommy Taylor, James Walshaw and Chris Dawson all left to sign for the Bucks.

"It's gutting and fairly deflating at the moment, but one thing is clear for me, no player is bigger than the club," said Kelly.

"It's particularly frustrating as while we hadn't put pen to paper, Walshaw and Dawson had agreed to stay with us for next season.

"Obviously it happens at this level of football, it is just incredibly frustrating when a player goes back on that agreement.

"Look, I'm not daft, I know that money talks at any level and this league is no different, but if a player is motivated by money I don't want them at the club anyway.

"Obviously it has to play a part, but we want ambitious players who want to play for Scarborough Athletic.

"One thing is clear - if anyone wants to leave this club they are welcome to do so. We want people who want to pull that shirt on and be here."

The former Oldham Athletic and Halifax Town manager was also left disappointed by the manner in which Walshaw and Dawson left the club.

He added: "They sent me a text, which in my opinion isn't the way to go about it really.

"With Tommy, I met him and his dad on Friday night in Leeds and came away feeling he wouldn't be staying, but to his credit he at least picked the phone up and rang me to inform me of his decision.

"I had hoped Tommy would be making the step up in levels if he did leave, and in my opinion it's a backwards step going to Buxton, but that is his decision and I wish them all the best in the future, it's just a shame how it has happened."

Kelly was keen to re-assure the club's fans that he is still confident of a successful season and has already sprung into action to being in adequate replacements for the trio.

"It's sad for the fans, I accept that," added the Boro boss.

"Nobody likes to see key players, and popular players, leave their club, but again I re-iterate, nobody is bigger than the club.