SHOLING’S FA Vase-winning captain Byron Mason is leaving the club after 11 years to ply his trade two leagues higher.

The 27-year-old midfield powerhouse will become the Boatmen’s third Wembley winner to step into the Conference South with Gosport Borough, following Mike Carter and Lee Wort to Privett Park.

Borough boss Alex Pike and chairman Mark Hook were in the Portsmouth Road crowd on Wednesday for the Boatmen’s 2-2 draw with Didcot Town in the Southern One South & West.

Pike subsequently spoke to Sholing chairman Dave Diaper, who agreed to waive the notice of approach for the influential skipper.

Diaper is sad to lose a player he has known and nurtured since the age of 16 but, at the same time, delighted that Mason has the chance to prove himself further up the pyramid.

“To me Byron is a complete player, he’s excellent, and it will be interesting to see how far he can go,” said Diaper.

“It’s all been amicably done. Byron’s 27 now and he’s proved he’s more than adequate playing in the Southern League. He needs to be tested at a higher level and hopefully he can go to Gosport and show he’s worthy of a contract.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Byron. I’ve seen him grow as a person since he was 16.

“He works for me and he’s a real nice guy. I just want him to do well, he deserves the opportunity to progress.

“It’s sad that another one’s gone from the 2013/14 team but, like I said to Byron, I don’t want him looking back when he’s 30 and saying ‘if only.’ “I like Alex, we get on really well and he’s a good manager. I know Byron will get treated fairly at Gosport and well looked after.

“Mike Carter and Lee Wort are doing well down there and Gosport are making the right inroads. They’re a well-run club.”

Byron is the middle of three Mason brothers to have come through the Sholing ranks, along with forwards Barry and Daniel.

The club prides itself on youth production and Diaper said: “We won’t stand in anyone’s way of going higher. If Sholing end up being a feeder team to clubs higher up the pyramid, so be it. At least we’re doing it in the right manner.

“I’d rather have players pushing forward and bettering themselves than going sideways or downwards.

“I’ve said to Alex that if he’s got players at Gosport who need match time then to think about us first.”

Mason picked up a knock against Didcot, but with Gosport in FA Cup action at Maidenhead tomorrow, he would not be eligible to play in any case.

His physical presence will help Borough atone for the loss of tough-tackling former Eastleigh midfielder Jamie Brown who had his contract terminated in August following comments made on Twitter.

Sholing, 17th, are in South & West action tomorrow at rock-bottom Bishop’s Cleeve, who have picked up just two points in 11 games.