SUTTON UNITED boss Paul Doswell says he has been left disappointed by Bedsenté Gomis' move to Barrow – after the midfielder had initially agreed to stay with the U's.
The 29-year-old joined Sutton at the start of the 2014-15 campaign and won the supporters' club Player of the Year award in his debut season.
The Frenchman, who played in his homeland and Spain before signing for Sutton via Southend United, helped the U's to the National League South title in 2015-16.
He was a key part of Doswell's team last season as Sutton finished comfortably mid-table in their first National League campaign while also making it to the FA Cup fifth round.
Gomis had verbally agreed to stay at Gander Green Lane according to Doswell but he has now signed for their league rivals Barrow.
U's boss Doswell told the club's website: “I received a call from Bedsi telling me he had received a fantastic offer from Barrow and he wished to take up the opportunity, despite verbally agreeing a new two-year contract with Sutton.
“Whilst disappointed, we never stand in any player's way and genuinely wish him well with his new opportunity.
“Bedsi has been a real pleasure to manage and another who has flourished at the club. He was a consistent performer for us and I know he leaves with a heavy heart, but the chance to make his family financially better off was the deciding factor and one we respect.
“We are determined to keep living within our means as a club, and have to accept that players will move for footballing and financial reasons.
“We have identified a replacement and will announce this hopefully on Thursday when the players return for pre season training.”
