TOM Flanagan has left Burton Albion despite verbally agreeing a new deal and after telling the club he was not interested in other offers.

The defender’s last minute decision to walk away from the Pirelli Stadium has frustrated Albion manager Nigel Clough.

He said: “We are disappointed with his decision but, more than that, by the way things have been conducted by the player and his agent over the last couple of months.

“He had an offer shortly after the end of the season and it has dragged on since then. Although his agent has had some unfortunate problems to deal with, it wouldn’t have gone amiss to keep us informed. Eventually, we had everything agreed and Tom was due to sign today and we got a call when all the paper work was done saying he wasn’t signing. That, coming the day before pre-season starts, leaves an unpleasant taste.

“I had a text from Tom last week saying he wasn’t interested in any other offer. What’s also disappointing is that we had agreed to all his terms.”

Chairman Ben Robinson added: "I am disappointed that the player has gone back on his word."