REECE STYCHE says he is ‘gutted’ to be leaving Darlington, and says his surprise exit is due to finances.

It emerged this afternoon just before Quakers’ game with Boston United that the striker would be leaving, with National League North rivals Alfreton his next club.

Darlington lost 1-0 at home in September to Alfreton, and not long afterwards they sold striker Tom Denton to Chesterfield.

Using the profits of that sale they will sign Styche for a fee higher than the one Darlington paid to Tamworth in November 2017.

It is shock news to supporters who have seen the player become a cult figure over the past year

He scored 18 times in 33 games, five goals coming this season including a hat-trick in a 4-2 win at Brackley.

However, he has now played his final time for the club.

In a statement released during Quakers’ match at Blackwell Meadows with Boston, for which Syche was not in the squad, he said: “To everyone associated with Darlington, from the players to Tommy and Alan and all the backroom staff, I’d just like to say a massive thank you for the past year.

“Unfortunately, and I emphasise this, I’m gutted that I am moving on but sometimes we forget that football is a business and with Darlington being a fan-owned club and additional money that is brought in is a positive.

“I have had one of the best years playing for the club and leaving like this wasn’t the plan.

“For the minority thinking I’ve left because of a few fans, trust me, that isn’t the case. In all honesty the fans have been the best I have played for and that’s the truth, a few obscenities here and there is a part of the game.”

Styche’s goal celebration during a game with Chorley last season – when he jumped into a mound of snow – helped earn Darlington a money-spinning pre-season friendly against a team of former Premier League players.

Explaining his surprise exit, Styche added: “The simple answer is finances.

“However, scoring a goal every two games, getting a call-up back to the Gibraltar national team and creating history, bringing near £60,000 into the club and helping the club nearly getting into the play-offs last year, I can look back and be proud of what I have contributed to this brilliant club.

“I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and the future, I’m going to miss it.”

A club spokesman said before today’s game: “Reece Styche isn’t included – the club has agreed his transfer to another club, which we expect to be announced next week.”