Nic McDonnell has hit back at claims that money was the prime motivation behind his departure from Crawley Town.

McDonnell, top scorer last season with 22 goals, has signed a one-year contract with Ryman League premier division outfit St Albans.

He says Crawley were unwilling to negotiate a new deal after he refused their first offer of a £10 per week pay rise. And because the Reds failed to offer him new terms on the last day of the season he automatically became a free agent.

He also turned down an offer to join Conference club Stevenage on a full-time basis.

McDonnell said: "I wasn't the highest paid player at the club but I thought I would have been worth a bit more than they offered. I couldn't just leave because I'm aged under 24 but the club should have put their offer to me on May 5 but it didn't arrive until May 8.

"A friend told me that as I hadn't been offered new terms on the last day of the season I became a free agent. I checked with the Football Association and they confirmed that, but told me to write to Crawley turning down their offer. I did that, but I also said I was willing to renegotiate.

"I spoke to (manager) Francis Vines who said the ball was in my court but I felt it was up to the club to get in touch.

"Stevenage wanted me to go full-time but I couldn't afford it on the money they were offering. I signed for St Albans at the weekend. It's more than I was earning at Crawley but I would have been willing to stay on a contract which is less than I'm earning at St Albans.

"I enjoyed it there, especially with winning two trophies at the end of the season. The fans have slaughtered me on their web site saying I'm a money-grabber which isn't fair.

"Crawley had three weeks to negotiate but I heard nothing which I found disappointing."