Matt Crabb and Matt Smart have been hailed for the part they have played in Eastbourne Borough’s history.

The long-serving duo parted company with Borough yesterday after playing nearly 1,000 games for the club between them.

However, boss Tommy Widdrington has revealed a third club stalwart, Darren Baker, has accepted an offer to stay.

Crabb has decided to try his luck elsewhere after being told he would not be guaranteed a first team place at Priory Lane while Smart has been released as Widdrington begins to build for next season.

Crabb joined Borough from Eastbourne United in 2000 and has made 521 appearances, scoring 65 goals. Smart joined from Horsham in 2001 and has played 461 games.

Widdrington said: “We had a chat with Matt Smart and Matt Crabb to say what our feelings were. They have been unbelievable servants to Eastbourne Borough for long before I was around.

“Unfortunately for Matt (Smart), as a new manager coming in we are looking for something different than he can give us but I hope we can stay friends and if I can help him get another club I will do. Matt Crabb decided he wanted to go and play somewhere else. We told him what we thought and we couldn’t guarantee him a spot. We can only say thank you to them both. The pair will go down in history. They have played a phenomenal part in the club’s history.”

Crabb has already been linked with a move to Lewes where brother Nathan plays.

Widdrington will address the futures of other players out of contract over the next few days.

He said: “I believe everybody has been given a fair chance. There will be decisions made on other players soon.

“But I have spoken to Darren Baker and he is happy to stay.

“I want to make it clear it is not a sentimental offer. He has earned his contract. The way he has conducted himself since I came in, his fitness, his condition, why wouldn’t I want to keep him?”

Baker has made 949 appearances for Borough since signing in 1992.