FINLAY BARNES' former joint-manager Darren Eadie has confessed he feels 'massive pride' for the midfielder, after completing a switch from Leiston to York City for an undisclosed fee.

Eadie was pleased to see his star player make the move to the top tier of non-league football, even if it meant he was losing a key man, and wished Barnes all the best with York.

Leiston have also confirmed that as part of an agreement with City for the transfer of Barnes, the Minstermen will travel to Leiston next season as part of their pre-season schedule.

Barnes has also been confirmed to have signed a three-year contract with York.

Speaking to the club website, Eadie said on Barnes' transfer: “I’ve known Finlay for a long time and always been a great admirer of his. He did well at Norwich United at Step 5, but I always knew he could go higher.

“When we saw him and before we signed him, I said to Chris (Wigger), we can develop him and let’s see where it goes.

"So, we pat him on the back and say well done to him on his move.

“Us as managers and Leiston as a football club should take massive pride from Finlay’s move.

"As much as we want to succeed as a team, for me this is as big a win as winning a trophy.

“It’s a pat on the back for us and the football club that players are getting to the levels they are getting to.

“So, yes, we would love to have kept him, but we wish Fin all the best, he’s a natural talent. And I hope he fulfils all the dreams he has.

“Why we attract players in the first place is because Chris (Wigger) and me have always had the attitude that we want players to succeed with, or without, us.

“We’re realistic how we compete with clubs around us in our league budget-wise, but when bigger clubs come in for our players, we are going to be up against it.

“But moves like this for Finlay also puts it out to other young players who want to progress, that Leiston as a football club will help you do that.

“As I said, we always want to succeed as a club, but sometimes the fall-out of a successful season is that some players move on, and players’ progress. But for me that is still a big win for Leiston football club.”

Speaking on his transfer to York, Barnes enthused: "I'm so pleased. As soon as I spoke to everyone at the club and heard about the project, I couldn't wait to get here and get everything sorted."