PLAYER NEWS | Tavares departs Stones

Defender Nikola Tavares will leave Wealdstone following the expiry of his contract at the club.

The 23-year old Croatian was offered a new and improved contract with the club but has decided to move elsewhere.

Stones Chairman Rory Fitzgerald has confirmed the defender is set to make a move to a full-time club: "We are very sad and disappointed Nik has chosen to leave the football club.

"We have been in negotiations with Nik since October and the board did all it could to keep a player we know is so popular with the fans and in the dressing room.

"Nik turned down the new deal on significantly improved terms and has instead chosen to take up the offer of full-time football elsewhere. We wish him well."

Tavares first joined the Stones from Crystal Palace in March 2021, making his senior debut in his sole appearance in the 2020/21 season before signing a contract with the Stones last summer.

The South African born defender made 27 appearances last season for the Stones, highlights being scoring his first senior goal in a 2-1 win over Yeovil Town and winning Man of the Match in our televised 0-0 draw against Solihull Moors on BT Sport.

Nik leaves The Vale with our best wishes and we thank him for his contribution to the club.