DEFENDERS Ian Cousins and Adam Flanagan have left Billericay and signed for Ryman One North side Maldon & Tiptree.

Billericay manager Craig Edwards thanked both for their services after they helped the club lift the Essex Senior Cup last season.

Edwards said Cousins had left the club in the “right way”, and that the player said it was a difficult decision to leave.

But the manager said Flanagan’s departure came after he had demanded a pay rise.

Edwards said: “I received a text from Adam the day before I was going on holiday in which he demanded a pay rise or said he would be leaving.

“I telephoned Adam and asked if he would meet me when I got back and we would discuss it, to which he agreed.

“But while I was on holiday I found out he'd signed for Maldon.

“These things happen in football.”

Both players are likely to play at centre back for Maldon.

Cousins will also have a coaching role.