Popular defender Lex Allan has left Sittingbourne for hometown club Sheppey United.

The 6ft 7in centre-half made headlines in his breakthrough campaign with the Brickies three years ago after landing trials with Crystal Palace, Norwich and Millwall.

A move to the big time eluded the youngster who became a firm favourite at Woodstock as he closed in on 100 appearances.

But he's moved on after Swale rivals Sheppey United made a seven-day approach at the end of last week.

Brickies boss Darren Blackburn allowed the Southern Counties East club to speak to Allan immediately and the 21-year-old made his Ites debut in a 3-2 win over Beckenham on Saturday.

Blackburn, who's brought former captain Chris Webber back to the club, said: "Sheppey came in for him and I waived the seven days because with two games coming up I didn’t want it hanging over us or Lex.

“He’s a Sheppey lad, he’s played for them before and it’s one of those where they’ve made him an offer and Lex feels there’s a challenge there for him.

“Full credit to him, he didn’t use it to try to lever more money out of Sittingbourne.

“He’s decided to move on and I’m sorry to see him go because he’s a player I’d like to have kept.

“It’s a shame he’s taken a step down to take on a different challenge because his ambition - and our ambition for him - was to go higher but Sheppey will be there or thereabouts for promotion.

"I wasn’t at the club when he came through and had all the interest but when you're 17/18 and playing regularly and consistently, and you’re 6ft 7in, it ticks a lot of boxes for league clubs.

"He’s still only 21 and he’s got a great career ahead of him, even if he stays in and around these levels. We wish him all the best."

Allan impressed on his Sheppey debut as the Islanders preserved the remaining unbeaten record in Southern Counties East.

Head coach Marcel Nimani thanked Blackburn for waiving the seven-day notice.

“Darren’s an incredible guy,” he said. “The way he dealt with it all says everything about his character.

“He could have made us wait seven days but once he knew Lex wanted to move on, he allowed us to speak to him and sign him on the Friday.

“Lex has got a great CV behind him, he’s intrinsically motivated to compete for his hometown club and he has that connection with the fans because he’s an Island boy.

“He’s got potential to add to the club and help us push up the leagues.

"If we are to be successful, he’s the type of player we’d be looking to maintain as we go one or two divisions higher.

“I’ve only seen him for 90 minutes but he used his physique intelligently and he not only won his headers, he was good with the ball at his feet.

“He came in and adjusted straight away to the way we play.”

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