GRAYS Athletic have cancelled the registration of defender Luke Ifil after he refused to travel to Bognor Regis Town tonight.

The full-back, who recently signed dual-registration terms with Hayes & Yeading, was expected to travel to Bognor with the rest of the Grays team but have confirmed he has now left the club after he chose to train with the National League South side instead.

A club statement said: “We cannot describe our anger and disappointment at Luke’s decision and would also like to point out that this situation has highlighted (former chairman) Andy Swallow’s statement last week that higher placed clubs have no regard for lower placed teams.

“It is hugely disrespectful to not only the squad and management of Grays Athletic but also to its very loyal supporters.

“The club have therefore made the decision to cancel Luke’s registration with Grays Athletic. Our disappointment in having being forced to make this call has hurt everyone.”

Grays have been busy this week following the departure of key players including Sean Cronin, Kenny Beaney and Joao Carlos (on a dual-registration basis) with other first-team stars leaving in recent weeks.

Southend United midfield prospect Freddie Gard and Colchester United youngster Tyler Brampton have joined on loan, with fellow U’s man Joe Tenant making a permanent switch.

Goalkeeper George Kamurasi, striker Germaine Ofori amd experienced midfielder Lee Flavin also join.

Joseph Boachie and Michael Ezeh have been promoted from the reserve team squad into the first-team set-up.