Ramsbottom United are saddened to announce that leading goalscorer James Murphy has decided to leave the club with immediate effect and has signed for NWCFL Premier Division outfit Wythenshawe Town.

Murphy, who was one of manager Lee Donafee’s earliest signings for the club, scored six goals and provided four assists in his nine games but had struggled to find the target since scoring the first in our 3-1 success over Colne in early September.

The 25-year-old, who joined from Litherland REMYCA having enjoyed spells in the Welsh Leagues with Rhyl, Newtown and Airbus UK Broughton, had “had his head turned” by the offer of more money from the 7th placed NWCFL side.

“We just couldn’t compete with the money they were offering,” admitted Donafee. “It is a step backwards, going down a level, but the money they were offering, he couldn’t really turn it down.

“James is a sound lad and he gave his all for us. He showed what he was capable of, scoring a load of goals in our good run.

“He was a great player for Rammy and will always be welcomed back but we wish him well.”