The 21-year-old midfielder, who came through the youth ranks at Nene Park after being released by Nottingham Forest as a teenager, still has 12 months left on his contract with the Blue Square Premier club.

But manager Garry Hill revealed: "I think we have moved on with the
squad so Tom has been told he can have a free transfer.

"He wants to play regularly and we can't guarantee him that here. If he finds another club, we will let him go.

"When you look at the midfield now we've got plenty of competition with Andy Burgess, Rob Wolleaston, Curtis Woodhouse, Jon Challinor, Scott Mitchell and Michael Corcoran."

Former youth-team players Ben Nunn and Lawrence Lambley have also been released by Diamonds.

However, Hill today signed right-winger Jamie McGuinness who featured as a second-half substitute in Friday night's 7-0 win at Halstead Town after replacing Lee Tomlin who had scored twice before the break.

The Diamonds boss added: "He's a young lad from Luton Town with a bit of potential.

"We've taken him on to take a closer look. He will be part of the senior squad with youngsters like Sam Smith and Jake Beecroft."

McGuinness was one of five trialists who played for Diamonds in their
opening pre-season friendly ahead of this week's training camp in Portugal.

Hill also offered an opportunity to impress for defenders Sagi Burton, Gareth Jelleyman, Justin Roberts and Michael Wilde.

With McGuinness becoming the eighth summer signing, Diamonds are close to completing their squad by bringing in another centre-half and a left-back.