The demands of Kemy Agustien’s agency are why the deal to extend Kemy Agustien’s contract with Barrow AFC fell through, according to manager Ian Evatt.

Agustien, who impressed in the 11 appearances he made for the Bluebirds, surprisingly left the club on Thursday after the short-term deal he signed in November expired.

The reason why it was a surprise is because an agreement was thought to have been reached, with the 32-year-old’s departure leaving AFC short of options in the middle of the park during Saturday's 0-0 draw with FC Halifax Town.

Evatt claimed Agustien’s representatives attempted to move the goalposts at the last moment, although he remains on amicable terms with the Curacao international in spite of the nature of what has happened.

Evatt said: “Kemy is a fantastic footballer. We made him a very good offer, for our football club.

“This is a National League football club and me and the chairman have worked tirelessly over the last three weeks to try and get this deal over the line.

“Kemy accepted the deal on Thursday – he wanted to sign – and his agency asked for things that we weren’t willing to provide.

“We, as a football club, have to take a stance and we won’t be held to ransom by anybody. There is no player bigger than this football club.

“This isn’t me having a pop at Kemy because I love Kemy to bits and I think Kemy loves Barrow and he really wanted to stay with us. The fact that he’s still communicating with the group tells me that.

“But there comes a point where we’re not going to be held to ransom by agents, by any agent, and if they’re asking for their own petrol money, own hotel money, the club aren’t going to do that.

“That’s their responsibility, as an agent – if you want to come to Barrow and watch him play, why should the club bear the cost of that? They shouldn’t.

"If you’re contracted to a player then that’s your obligation to that player – it’s nothing to do with the football club.”

Agustien's agency, Premier Global Sports Management, have disputed Evatt's, and the Bluebirds', views on events and are considering taking legal action.

They tweeted on Saturday morning: "No @KemyAgustien in players (sic) line ups today, all who not heard negotiatons collapsed regarding the contract with @BarrowAFC on CLUB side and not our side as Barrow has said.

"When Kemy's joined his new club next week as we are negotiating now, the TRUTH will be told."