JAMIE Gleeson has insisted his move to Poole Town was not motivated by money and that he “has nothing but love” for former club Dorchester.

The 30-year-old midfielder joined the Dolphins last week after 10 years at the Avenue, during which time he represented the Magpies nearly 400 times.

Gleeson says there were several reasons behind his decision to accept the offer of a 12-month contract from Poole boss Tommy Killick – and financial gain didn’t play a part.

And when explaining why he opted to switch clubs, Gleeson spoke in glowing terms of county town manager Mark Jermyn.

“It’s not about the money,” he said. “I could have moved for more money at different stages of my career but that’s not what it’s about.

“I am a Poole boy and it is more local with my business being based in Bournemouth.

“Jem (Mark Jermyn) is one of my best mates in football and we had a lot of chats at the end of last season, and with everything going on with my business it is not feasible for me to get to Dorchester all the time.

“If Dorchester was closer, maybe I would have been there for the rest of my career.

“Another thing that swung my decision a little bit was Eddie Mitchell potentially getting involved (at Poole).

“I have dealt with Eddie before and have nothing but good things to say about him.

“Being full-time at Dorchester when he was there with Shaun Brooks was one of my best times in football.”

He went on to add: “Jem sent me a message saying how much I would be missed not only as a player but as a friend and I have the utmost respect for him.

“I have nothing but love for the club. I have been looked after so well during my whole time there and it is hard for me to leave.

“I feel so welcome there and it is hard to leave somewhere like that.

“I get paid to play football but to do it in an environment where you feel so welcome is lovely.

“Now, I have to make a new start and build that at Poole.”

Speaking specifically about Jermyn, Gleeson said: “Whatever Mark Jermyn does he will make a success of it.

“He could go building with my dad for a week having never laid a brick before and within that week he would be building walls – he’s that type of person.

“They will do well because he is a winner and Dorchester will have a better season, I guarantee it.”

Meanwhile, Gleeson did not rule out the possibility of someday returning to the Avenue.

“You never know what the future holds,” he stated. “If I stay fit or maybe do something on the managerial side I could end up back there in a few years.

“If I did go back I would like to think I would be welcomed.”