Last updated 16:02, Thursday, 02 October 2008

BARROW hooker Andy Ellis has expressed his amazement at the release of National League Two player-of-the-year Dave Armitstead.

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DAVE ARMITSTEAD: Joined Leigh

The influential number nine signed a new deal with the club last week, but finds it ‘ridiculous’ Armitstead will not be joining him.

And the Hull-based player said he felt it was incredible Armitstead – who last night signed for Leigh – was allowed to go.

“We have lost some vital players. I think the loss of Dave Armitstead is personally ridiculous and you can quote me on that,” he said.

“That’s rugby league – you win some and you lose some.

“But especially with him being voted player-of-the-year for National League Two and then dismissing him, I don’t know what has gone on there.” Ellis feels Barrow have done some strong recruiting thus far in the close-season and is confident the team will do well next year, with Scott Kaighan the latest local to re-sign yesterday.

But he also thinks the squad could only have benefited from Armitstead’s presence.

“With the players like that (Andy Bracek and Brocklehurst) it looks like it is going to be a good squad for next season,” he said.

“With a player like Dave Armitstead, it could have been better. But it looks like Leigh have got hold of him and I wish him all the best for the future because I am good friends with him.

“We have got some good players ourselves still from last season. Most of our squad are local players and I’m sure a lot of them will be sticking around.

“There are players like Martin Ostler, who I thought was outstanding last season,then there’s Brett McDermott and Liam Harrison, who are still hanging around and that is always going to be good for the club.

“I was waiting to see who had been signed to see if it was going to be a productive season and with the signings that have been made, it looks like they are putting together a squad that is going to be competitive.”

Ellis did have other offers for his services for next year, but felt Barrow were his best option.

Doncaster were one of the sides to come in with a deal, but the financial uncertainty at the Keepmoat Stadium meant Ellis felt that would be a bad move, even if it did put him closer to his home.

Instead, with prospects looking good on the field and the support he receives from supporters off it, he decided to stay.

“I’ve got plenty of friends up there, in the team and around the team,” he added.

“I’m good friends with Keith Nutter and the family look after me when I go up, they really pull out all the stops for me and I can’t thank them enough.”