TAMWORTH’S title-winning captain Martin Foster has turned down a new deal and left the Lambs.

The 31-year-old, who is based in Sheffield, has left Gary Mills’ men to join Blue Square North newcomers Eastwood Town.

The midfielder has signed a one-year contract with Eastwood, last season’s UniBond Premier champions, after ending an 18-month stay with the Lambs. Eastwood assistant manager John Ramshaw admitted they had been patiently pursuing the former Leeds, Doncaster, Forest Green Rovers and Rushden & Diamonds player.

“Tamworth offered him a new deal and there was interest from a number of other Conference clubs,’’ said Ramshaw.

‘‘But I think a combination of getting closer to home and a bit of gentle persuasion from a couple of our players, Mark Hume and Marc Smith, probably tipped the balance in our favour.’’ The Lambs have already lost top scorer Gareth Sheldon and midfielder Mat Birley, who have linked up with ex-Lambs striker and former Redditch assistant boss Carl Heggs at King’s Lynn.

Meanwhile, the Lambs confirmed that Alex Rodman, a key attacking force in winning the Blue Square North, has re-signed.

The former Leamington winger scored 12 times in 42 appearances last term after joining from Nuneaton Borough.