MANAGER Jason Matthews has given Sam Poole his best wishes after the defender left the Terras having failed to agree terms on a new deal.

In a statement, the club said they made Poole a “fair and reasonable offer” but it was turned down.

Poole, a former Weymouth captain, was not a regular fixture in the first team last season due to the form of fellow centre-backs Calvin Brooks and Jamie Laird.

“We offered Sam a deal and he turned it down,” said Matthews. “He sees his future as lying elsewhere and we wish him all the best.

“The two seasons I had Sam as a player he was a model pro.

“He feels he would like to play a bit more and I couldn’t promise him football every week.

“But it’s sad to see him go. He is a whole-hearted player and very popular among the lads.”