DORCHESTER Town midfielder Sam Lanahan has sealed a shock move to Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division relegation candidates Gosport Borough. 

Lanahan, who is the Magpies’ top scorer this season with nine goals, has agreed terms with Boro, who currently sit bottom of the league – four points adrift of Dunstable Town, but with a game in hand. 

Lanahan’s registration with Gosport, who count as one his former clubs, was completed on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in March, Lanahan told Echosport he had not spoken to anyone at the club with regards to his future but, just 18 days on, he has secured a move to the lowly Hampshire club. 

Lanahan had established himself as a regular in boss Steve Thompson’s starting line-up and made 111 appearances for the Magpies, including 29 this season. 

Commenting on the now-finalised move, Thompson told Echosport that he was not surprised Lanahan would make the switch given the financial offer Gosport have made.

He said: “It’s not a shock to me at all, they’re offering over double what he’s on over here. A lot of players would go for that.

“I can’t blame Sam if Gosport are ready to offer him that kind of money. I can understand why he would take that.

“They’re only four points behind Dunstable and they will feel they have a good chance at overhauling those four points, only time will tell on that one.

“Sam’s our top scorer and there’s not been many games where I’ve not started him. He’s been a big part of this season and he’s a good lad to have around the changing room. He’s done well for us, there’s not denying that.”

Gosport, meanwhile, are in relative disquiet with their league position and the news that Gosport born-and-bred manager Alex Pike has left the club. 

Boro have introduced a three-man coaching set-up to dilute the impact of Pike’s departure, with Rowan Vine, Louie Bell and Jay Keating sharing responsibilities.