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Rovers had made the player what chairman Mark Evans described as a "generous" offer but that package has now been trumped by the Harrison Park outfit.

Tucker scored 24 goals in all competitions for Rovers last season and was wanted by nigh on a dozen clubs, the pack having been lead by Nuneaton Borough of the Nationwide Conference.

But the Loughborough University student rejected all suitors and instead chose to end the season with Rovers in the Dr Martens Western Division.

Rovers had tried and failed to tie Tucker to a contract midway through the last campaign though the player had re-opened negotiations with Evans and manager John McGinlay following the end of the season.

But now the Moatmen have been gazumped, Tucker having accepted Leek's more lucrative deal while UniBond Division One football would also give him extra opportunities to return home to Carlisle.

Said Evans: "I'm very disappointed Simon's chosen to leave but I've always said I would never stand in the way of a player who wanted to improve himself. Last season we must have received in excess of 10 inquiries about Simon but he chose to stay because he liked the whole package here. At the end of the season John and I met Simon, let him know our plans for next season and made him an offer, an offer that was something the club could afford and would reflect his status as a striker. Subsequent to that he was approached by Leek Town who made him a very attractive financial offer which we just cannot match because we are not prepared to break the wage structure - that is a point of principle we are very clear on. So Simon leaves us on good terms and will go to Leek where he will find it easier to get home because I think at times he's felt a bit out on a limb in Loughborough. We wish him well and will keep in touch with him."