WINCHESTER City have suffered an early-season hammer blow, losing club captain Jamie Barron to Gosport Borough.

Barron had made a big impact at the Denplan City Ground since joining from Folland Sports last summer.

His whole-hearted midfield performances, allied with his eye for goal, made him a key cog in the City machine that made the Southern One South & West play-offs and the Hampshire FA Senior Cup final under Paul Masters last term.

The move to Gosport, though, offers him a chance to play two leagues higher in the Vanarama National League South and he will be hoping to follow in a long line of former Wessex/Southern League players who have made the grade at Step Two with Borough.

He will be reunited with City goal machine Warren Bentley, who was snapped up by Gosport boss Alex Pike during the summer.

Winchester’s director of football Dave Malone said: “Jamie has been a real pleasure to work with and was a huge part of our successful season last term.

“I cannot hide my disappointment at his departure, but we could not match the league status or the wages Gosport currently have to offer.

“We all wish Jamie well, but hope that one day we will see him back in a City shirt.

“In the meantime we have put in a seven-day notice of approach for a player we hope will help fill the void left by Jamie’s departure.”

Barron’s move to Gosport comes just as new City boss Ian Saunders was looking forward to welcoming him back from a three-match suspension after he was sent off in the opening-day fixture at Slimbridge.

Saunders said: “To say I’m gutted to lose the club captain is an understatement.

“However, this is a great opportunity for him personally.

“I’d like to publicly wish Jamie all the very best and say that, even in my short time at the club, he was exemplary.

“I hope things work out but, if not, I’m sure we would welcome him back with open arms.”