Peter Thorne and Michael Boulding have both left Valley Parade as Peter Taylor stamps his authority on City.

Boulding’s departure – as well as that of younger brother Rory – was announced yesterday. And Thorne, the top scorer for the past two seasons, has also agreed to cut short a deal ravaged by injury.

As two veteran hitmen head for the exit, City have lined up another short-term capture. Twenty-year-old Ryan Kendall will come in from Hull this week on a month’s loan.

Taylor praised the professional way that Thorne and Boulding accepted his decision. And he has left the door open for Thorne to come back in a coaching capacity.

“It was very hard for me to speak to them,” said the City boss. “I still don’t know exactly what’s happening next season.

“But I said that if I am here, I didn’t think I would be offering them another contract.

“Their response was terrific. They were both so respectful and totally understanding.

“It’s a bit different with Peter. Michael has had a frustrating time with the club while Peter has been an absolute legend here.

“I’m trying to bring some fresh faces in so I couldn’t guarantee they would play a part. Both said if that was the case, they would prefer to finish now.

“In Michael’s case, I had people like Gavin Grant and Gareth Evans on the bench on Saturday giving me pace, as well as Mark McCammon. And of course they are much younger.”

Thorne topped the City scoring charts with 15 in his first year at the club and then 17 last season. Those goals were scored at the impressive rate of one every two games.

But injuries have restricted him to only five starts this season, leaving him three short of 200 career goals.

He has been unable to train recently because of problems with his knee.

Thorne has been immensely popular in the dressing room and Taylor would welcome him back to help from the sidelines.

He said: “If Peter wants to come here and help with my coaching, I’ve offered him that chance.”

Boulding never hit top gear after Stuart McCall won the drawn-out race for his signature 20 months ago.

Having notched 24 goals in a relegated Mansfield side, he looked the perfect poacher to spearhead a promotion push last season. But he showed only flashes of that form as City fell short, scoring only once after February.

After taking a pay cut to stay, Boulding has spent the bulk of the current campaign on the bench with just 11 starts. He last scored at Lincoln in January.

Like Thorne, he did not begin a game after Taylor took over.

Meanwhile, Hull youngster Kendall will link up with City this week.

The 6ft 1in striker has been a regular in the reserves for his home-town club.

Taylor said: “Ryan is full of energy and will run all over the place. He puts defenders under pressure.”