TRANENT Juniors boss Gary Small admits he is disappointed to lose star man Kevin Thomson, just six weeks after he signed for the club.

The ex-Rangers and Hibs midfielder agreed to join the East Premier League club at the beginning of last month, as his third spell at Easter Road came to an end.

However, just three appearances in all competitions followed before the club announced they had parted ways with the former Scotland midfielder.

Small told Courier Sport: "There was a variety of reasons, which I'll not go into, but Kevin wanted to pursue other things outside of football – I think he wants to get into the media side of things –and there were things we could not agree on.

"We felt this was the best way forward, and we agreed he would leave the club."

The Belters boss is, though, hopeful the departure of the three-times capped midfielder may take some pressure off the rest of his squad.

He added: "I think it put a bit of extra pressure on us.

"We were made favourites by the bookies, and there's no way that would've happened had we not signed Kevin, so I think that might lift a bit."

Thomson, a UEFA Cup finalist with Rangers, made two appearances in the league, and Small admits he is disappointed the move did not work.

"I'd like to think he thinks the same – I certainly wish it worked out differently, but it's just one of those things.

"It wasn't meant to be."

The Tranent boss wished the midfielder well for the future.

Phil Purves, Tranent Colts FC chairman, said he was disappointed to see Thomson go, and told Courier Sport Thomson had done no coaching with the club, as was expected as part of his deal.

Purves added: "It was a blow and a shock to us at the youth section."

Meanwhile, there has been speculation that Thomson could sign for Musselburgh Athletic.

His brother-in-law, Kevin McDonald, is assistant manager to Calvin Shand, and there were reports that Thomson watched Burgh's 1-1 draw with Camelon at Olive Bank on Saturday.

Small, though, refused to be drawn on the matter.