Aspin has moved quickly to patch up his defensive by bringing in former Grimsby Town stalwart Justin Whittle to partner Denny Ingram.

The Town boss has also snapped up right-back Ryan Toulson from Halifax to replace Farsley-bound Jamie Price.

Nathan Peat has signed a new contract but it’s the loss of Wood and Ellerker which has filled Aspin with the most sadness, the manager admitting he was reluctant to let them both go.

“Chris Ellerker has decided he doesn’t want to play football anymore,” said Aspin.

“I respect his decision, I have a really good relationship with Chris and I wish him all the best for the future.

“He just said he can’t commit to football this season. I think it’s really disappointing but there’s nothing I can do about it.

“Leigh Wood felt he couldn’t commit to this standard of football anymore.

“He’s said maybe he wants to go back to university and study and again I’ve got to respect his decision.”

With Mark Hume gone too Aspin has been busy looking for another centre back to bolster his threadbare defence.

37-year-old Whittle certainly fits the bill after a long and successful career.

He started north of the border at Celtic then moved to Stoke City where he made 79 league appearances for the club.

In 1998 he made the switch to Hull City and spent six seasons with the Tigers before skipping across the Humber Bridge in 2004 to join Grimsby Town.

After nearly 150 appearances for the Mariners, Whittle will now ply his trade with Town this season much to the delight of Aspin.

“I knew Justin when I was playing at Port Vale and he was playing for Stoke,” said Aspin.

“He’s got a great attitude, he’s a fit lad and he’s brave. To be fair to the club they’ve moved quickly to fill the position.

“He was captain at Grimsby and the only reason he’s not playing at that level is his age.

“But I still think he’s got one or two more seasons in him and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The club have been busy in the transfer market this week snapping up Toulson’s team mate at The Shay last season and Leeds United legend Eddie Gray’s son Nicky.

“With Jamie Price leaving I knew we had to sign a right back to replace him and we know Ryan can play both right-back and left-back,” continued Aspin.

“We know Nicky is a good player. He’s got a lot of ability but he’s not played a lot of games over the last few seasons.

“He needs to play more games and if we can get him fit I’m sure he can do a good job for us.