JIM Vince has paid a four-figure fee for Ian Kearney.

The 20-year-old defender joined Albion from UniBond Premier Division rivals Radcliffe Borough this week.

But Boro were sad to see him go.

"It is disappointing Ian has decided to move as we would have kept him in the squad for next season," said manager Andy Johnston.

"But we made it clear we only wanted players who were committed to the club and its future.

"There's no point keeping people who are not of the same thoughts as us."

Kearney joined Radcliffe in February last year, and went on to make 52 appearances, scoring four goals.

The deal also says Boro will receive 20 per cent of any fee received by Witton in a future move for the player.