BRENDON King is still upbeat despite losing out on two key transfer targets in midfielder Dave Allen and keeper Jason Matthews.

The Weymouth manager had initially earmarked the experienced duo as key components in his future plans but they have both since turned their back on the Bob Lucas Stadium in favour of moves to AFC Totton and Dorchester Town respectively.

King told Echosport: “It is disappointing but that is football. It happens at every level and now we move on.

“We have still got six or seven players we are talking to and have made offers to, and through the amount of calls that I have been receiving I am still very encouraged.

“We have also got a lot of people coming down for pre-season so there is certainly no need to panic.”

Allen, who captained Bashley last season, came closest to signing out of the two, and according to King the ex-Magpie is still unsure whether he has made the right decision.

The Terras’ boss added: “We offered Dave Allen a very good deal as far as we are concerned and he is still not 100 per cent sure he has made the right choice.

“The fact Steve Riley (ex-Bashley boss) has just taken over at Totton was probably the telling factor in the end, along with the player currently being based in Bournemouth, but we did all we could.

“I also understand Totton offered more money than us and at the end of the day we have a wage structure we have to stick to and there is no way we are going to risk overstretching ourselves.

“Instead we have got to be sensible and do what is right for the club.

“There are a lot of players out there at the moment looking around at what is available and the longer time goes on the better placed we will be.

“The last thing we can afford to do is just bring players in for the sake of it who are only here to go through the motions and pick up their money.

“Instead we have to be selective and ensure everyone that comes in are 100 per cent committed to the cause and will give all they can to help the club move forward.”