Simkin rues the loss of Wozza (From Dorset Echo)

Simkin rues the loss of Wozza

9:30am Thursday 24th January 2013 in Football By David Williams, Sports Reporter

WARREN Byerley has signed a permanent contract with Southern League side Poole Town, leaving Magpies’ boss Phil Simkin frustrated he could not offer him a deal at the Avenue.

The 27-year-old striker moved to Dorchester on non-contract terms in November but only managed one appearance in the Dorset Senior Cup before joining Poole on dual registration.

Since then he has scored eight times in 11 outings for Tom Kill-ick’s men and has now put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Tatnam until next summer.

Reacting to the deal, Dorchester chief Simkin gave Byerley his full backing but was rueing the fact his stay at the Avenue could not be made into a longer one.

“It’s frustrating but I didn’t have the resources to sign him,” he said.

“Warren is a good player and I’ve known him for eight or nine years since he first moved to Dorchester.

“I’d like to wish him all the best as a personal friend and as a player. He’s a very good player but unfortunately we didn’t have the resources to keep him.”

On the other hand, Poole supremo Killick was delighted to make Byerley’s move permanent and add another talented centre-forward to his ranks.

“I think he always wanted to stay and it was just a question of coming to an agreement on the finances,” he said.

“The other thing is we have still got Dan Cann, who is contracted until the end of the season and has agreed, in principle, something until the end of next season.

“If we get that done we would have three exceptionally good forwards in our squad, whether we are in this league or the league above.”

Poole, who also have Michael Charles on their books, are widely regarded as title favourites in Division One South & West of the Southern League after missing out in the play-offs last season.