Joe Ellul has joined Ramsgate on a double-your-money deal just weeks after signing a two-year contract at Sittingbourne.

The Brickies have received an undisclosed fee for their captain, who had been looking forward to leading a promotion challenge at Woodstock.

Ellul joined Sittingbourne from Maidstone in February and quickly became a crowd favourite.

But, at 34, the approach from Ramsgate was one he couldn’t reject.

A Sittingbourne statement said: “Unfortunately we have been informed by Joe that he has received an offer that he just simply cannot turn down from another club and he will be joining them for an undisclosed fee.

“Joe recently got married and feels that he needs to make the move for the good of his family.

“An offer that doubled ours has been received which we aren’t willing to renegotiate on and accept Joe’s decision to move on with no hard feelings.

“These things happen in football and we wish Joe nothing but the best for the future and thank him for his efforts in his short but sweet tenure in a Brickies shirt.

“We will endeavour to use the funds gained wisely to strengthen the squad for the coming season.”

Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell said: “Joe did well for us but we understand his position.

“We felt he needed to take the substantial offer at this stage of his career and our club has benefited too. We wish him all the best.”

Sittingbourne have announced a double signing since news of Ellul’s departure broke.

Defender Darren Phillips - a natural replacement - has joined from Faversham Town, along with former Lowestoft, AFC Sudbury and Bury Town attacker Cruise Nyadzayo.