DORCHESTER Town defender Matt Oldring has spoken of his surprise at being released from the club this week.

The former Magpies’ vice-captain said he was “disappointed” by the decision, after confirming that he wanted to stay at the club for the long term.

He said: “I was surprised. I felt like my performances through this season have been consistent, I’ve performed well and I’ve given my all for the team to keep the club up, so I was just as surprised as anybody else.

“The fans know how I feel about the club. I love all of the fans, the staff, and all of the players who I’ve played with over the years. Some of my best friends are at the club now, the likes of Shane (Murphy), Neil Martin, Brookesy (Jason Brookes), and I’ve made friends off the field as well, so it is sad that I won’t be able to play with them.

“Who knows what will happen down the line but obviously I’m disappointed to leave the club, I was hoping to be there long-term.”

Manager Craig Laird confirmed to Echosport that the decision was a measure to balance the playing budget, and Oldring says that he saw little option but to leave after his chat with the manager.

“The manager just said that the budget is being cut until the end of the season, he pulled me in and spoke with me and left me with little choice in the matter, to be honest.

“We had an idea that some players might have to leave, but nothing was said until after the game on Saturday. It all happened pretty quickly.

“Craig basically said that he didn’t see me in his plans. So he left it up to me to see if I wanted to stick around or start building for next season.”

When asked about his plans moving forward, Oldring signalled his intent to return to playing at the earliest opportunity.

He said: “I’d like to play until the end of the season. There’s still a month and a half left (until the end of the campaign) and I’d rather try and get in somewhere and get some game-time so I can make an impression before going again in pre-season.

“I’ll see what offers are on the table, but at the moment there’s no immediate plans so I’ll see what happens over the next few days.

“I’ll always have fond memories of the club and it’ll always mean a lot to me, so I’d just want to thank the fans, the staff and the players for making my time at the club enjoyable and thanks for all the messages from players, ex-players and fans.”

Speaking of the departures, manager Craig Laird said: “I’m really sad to lose both of them.

“They’re both good lads and good players. Matt’s been a good servant to the club and Franklyn’s an exciting player. They’re good players and can earn more money somewhere else and should be given the opportunity to do so.

“They’ve been good servants and helped to keep us in the division we’re in and we can now create another future for Dorchester.

“The club haven’t cut the budget. I’ve brought in players to strengthen the squad and had to gamble rather than leaving it until the end of the season when we aren’t in a position to strengthen.

“I have to manage the club as best as I can, and the budget needs to brought back into line, and I’ve asked the players to feel some of that pain, like the rest of us.

“But the door’s always open for them. We’re sorry that they’re leaving and in time we’d love to have them back at the club in some capacity.”