STRIKER Aiden Savory has pulled out of a move to Scarborough Athletic and opted instead to join local rivals Tadcaster Albion.

Savory, 29, had agreed to join the Seasiders after ending his four year spell with Farsley Celtic.

However, the former Harrogate Town and Bradford Park Avenue changed his mind last weekend in the wake of an approach from Evo-Stik North rivals Tadcaster.

Boro manager Steve Kittrick said: "It is disappointing that he's done what he's done because he had agreed a deal with us. He rang me on Friday and told me that he had some bad news. Up to Thursday he was signing with us but he said that he'd changed his mind."

Savory, who also plays at centreback, said: "It's great to sign for Tadcaster. It's a great club with a really good set-up with the ground, the fan base, and the pitch.

"After meeting with the management team, they really sold the club to me. Their ambitions match mine so I just can't wait to get started and be a part of the success."

Tadcaster manager Michael Morton believes that Savory's versatility will be a great asset.

"We have known about Aiden for years but only as a striker" said Morton. "Last season we saw him play centre-back for Farsley and we knew that he would fit into our playing model. He is strong, athletic and very comfortable in possession of the ball.

"His experience playing as a front man and as a centre half gives us great options to change our style of play."

Ironically, midfielders Dan Thirkell and Rob Youhill both rejected opportunities to stay with Tadcaster this summer and signed for Scarborough instead.

Striker Carl Stewart also quit the Brewers to join Shaw Lane.

Savory is club's eighth new signing of the summer alongside former Blyth Spartans utility player Joel Dixon, defender Chris Haworth and midfielder Peter Davidson (both Farsley Celtic), former Barnsley midfielder Jake Ellam, former Frickley midfielder Sam Akeroyd, Ossett Town striker Danny Frost, and winger Jason Stokes.

Boro manager Kittrick, meanwhile, says he has other 'irons in the fire' and hopes to sign a different striker in the next few days.

He needs a new striker after Jacob Hazel quit the club for Frickley Athletic and Benny Igiehon, last season's top goalscorer, announced his intention to play higher up the league.