Ilford defender AJ Olatanbosun has rejected a move to Redbridge

AJ Olatanbosun has turned down an offer to join league rivals Redbridge and will stay at Cricklefield to help Ilford in their battle against the drop.

The Nigerian defender has been the subject of three separate seven-day approaches for his services this season, with Potter Bar Town and Ryman Premier side Tooting & Mitcham also showing an interest.

Olatanbosun will remain with the Foxes for now, but manager Colin Walton believes it is just a matter of time before his star defender gets his big move.

“Hopefully he’ll get something big over the next couple of years, I think he deserves it,” said boss Walton.

“It was the third seven-day approach for him this season, so he’s obviously doing something right.

“But he likes playing for us. He has a major role in the team and unless he gets offered something really special from a team in the next division up or money comes into it, I think he’s happy to stay.

“He’s the first name on my team-sheet along with the goalkeeper and I think he values being an important part of a side, rather than move and possibly being cover for another team.

“He came to us at the start of last year from Bethnal Green United. He was totally unfit, he couldn’t last 90 minutes at Ryman League level, I don’t think he was used to training twice a week.

“But he’s been with us a full year since and he’s developing his game all the time and he’s come on leaps and bounds this year.”