CHAIRMAN Andrew Fitton believes Town lost the services of the top marksman in League One yesterday.

After months of intense speculation, Championship outfit Burnley finally won the race for Charlie Austin’s signature yesterday afternoon, with the fee believed to be nearly £2million.

And Fitton admits the departure of the 17-goal striker will be a massive loss.

“He would have been the leading scorer in League One without a shadow of a doubt, but he was ready to move on,” revealed the chairman.

“I’m sorry to see him go, but I always said we wouldn’t stand in his way.

“When he came to me and said he wanted to go, I said that he needed to trust in the people around him to do the right things, and that we wouldn’t let him go to the wrong place for the wrong price.

“I said we would get him to the right place for the right price, and it was a good deal for everybody.”

Austin finalised his switch to Turf Moor after failing to agree terms with Ipswich the previous day, and it is understood that his former club, Poole Town, will receive a 15 per cent cut of the fee.

The striker said: “Obviously I can’t turn down an opportunity to better myself, but I wish Swindon Town and its supporters all the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, Town director Jeremy Wray has paid tribute to Austin in the wake of his departure.

“He’s had a phenomenal career albeit a short one with Swindon, and has made a massive contribution to us last season and this season,” said Wray.

“He deserves his chance and I have no doubt that he’s destined to go a lot higher up the football pyramid.

“We can only wish him well, he’s been a success from start to finish.”