Dagenham and Redbridge sign Borough striker Elliott Romain

The free-scoring striker agreed personal terms and passed a medical with the National League club who were relegated from League Two last season.

Romain, 25, joined Borough from Lewes in the summer of 2015. His tireless displays soon made him a favourite with the fans at Priory Lane and he has already surpassed the 20 goal mark for Borough this season.

Borough manager Tommy Widdrington said, “I’m not at all surprised at the interest Elliott has received and I’m delighted with his contribution to Eastbourne Borough over the last 20 months or so.

“I’m also mindful of the doubters who told me he couldn’t be managed, and the previous people Elliott worked under, who told me: ‘He doesn’t score enough goals!’ Elliott had passed the 20 mark for the season by the end of February!

“I and everyone at Priory Lane wish Elliott the very best of luck in his new adventure, and he is living proof that you should never give up on your pursuit to improve.

“He’s been a pleasure to work with both on the training ground and on a Saturday, I’d even go as far as to say it’s improved me as a manager as I’ve never quite had a lad like Elliott in my charge.

“I realise that supporters will miss Elliott Romain and instinctively ask “Can we replace him?”. But every football team is constantly evolving, and supporters have already witnessed the clear progress that we have made this season. Without that whole-team progress Elliott would not have scored his 20 goals!

“I am sure we can achieve the dual aim of furthering players’ individual careers and developing and strengthening the squad and the club at the same time. There will always be another Elliott Romain out there, and I am certain that our structure and our coaching will produce more gems.”