White informed Canoville and co-boss Jason Lee of his intention to quit The Jakemans Stadium only hours before Saturday’s trip to Guiseley.

Canoville and Lee took the decision to leave out their former Notts County team-mate ahead of his scheduled transfer to Harrogate Town this week.

Canoville told bufc.co.uk: “We found out (on Friday) that Harrogate had put in seven days for Whitey. We spoke to him and it’s nearer his home and they can probably offer him a little bit more (money) than we can.

“Obviously it was a decision for him at the end of the day and he made the decision that he was going to sign there.

“He was available to play (at Guiseley) but when you have got a player that is not going to be with you in seven days time, we made the decision not to play him.

“Good luck to Whitey. He is coming to the end of his career and it’s nearer to his home and he’s starting a new job, so good luck to him and we move on.”

Quizzed about the likelihood of an instant replacement being recruited, Canoville played down such talk.

“We have got a few defenders available with myself coming back to fitness and Nathan (Stainfield) being recalled from Hucknall where he has had a few games, which he needed," added Canoville. "Wardy is also now stepping up to be a good centre-half.

“We will address the situation but we are quite pleased with how we are defensively.”