STRIKER Kurt Willoughby has left Clitheroe to join National League North side FC United.

The frontman enjoyed a prolific 2017-18 campaign which saw him finish as the Evo-Stik North's second leading scorer with 26 goals and earn a place in the league team of the season.

The Blues were in play-off contention for much of the campaign but eventually finished 12th.

And Willoughby has opted to move on and joins an FC United side playing two levels above Clitheroe.

FC United boss Tom Greaves said: "Kurt joins us after a few great seasons with Clitheroe, his consistent goal scoring record is something we’ve been missing since the departure of Jason Gilchrist last season and Kurt has come in to fill that void.

"He’s created a lot of attention after hitting over 30 goals in all competitions this season so we are delighted Kurt has put pen to paper for FC United."

Willoughby's departure means Clitheroe have lost two of their first choice forwards in recent months following Alex Newby's departure to National League North side Chorley.

The Blues will be under new management next term after Simon Haworth left Shawbridge.

Stuart Mellish is the new man in the dug-out at Clitheroe and he admits there will be rebuilding job at the club over the summer.

He told the club's website: "It is a rebuilding job, because when a new manager comes in there's always players that think they can play higher, and unfortunately when things don't work out they generally come back into this level, and it's just about getting the right balance.

"There's probably about six or seven of the current squad that I'm going to retain and so we are looking at least 10 to a dozen players to bring in to the club.

"But we need to bring in the right players. It's no good bringing in just any players, it's the right players that want to play the way I want to play."