The star striker, who has scored 32 goals already this season, turned down the move to Witton's Unibond First rivals after, it appears, manager Kevin Tully had given the green light for the move to go ahead.

Tully said: "We were offered a few thousand pounds plus a player for Darren. I didn't want to let Darren go, but Witton have got to raise money somewhere. The fact Darren has decided to stay shows his commitment to the team and the belief he has in it's potential."

The players on offer to Tully were believed to be Billy O'Callaghan or tough striker Andy Green. But Washington was adamant he wanted to stay.

Darren said: "A deal was struck between the two clubs. Basically the final decision was down to me and there was no way I was going to leave Witton. It's a good club and the only reason I would leave was if the club said they didn't want me or if a Conference club came in for me."

He added: "The board made it clear they wanted me to stay and the manager said that too so there was no doubt in my mind. I didn't even speak to Droylsden."

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