Devlin puts his family first (From Dorset Echo)

Devlin puts his family first

8:40am Saturday 4th February 2012

• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

FORMER Magpie Steve Devlin insists he had to do right by his family after making a surprise switch to lower-league Poole Town.

The midfielder, who joined Dorchester Town in October 2009, has fallen two rungs on the non-League ladder following his transfer to Tatnam Farm for an undisclosed fee.

And although the move came as a shock to most spectators, just three weeks after boss Alan Knight had labelled the 26-year-old his most consistent performer, Devlin is adamant he made the right decision.

Discussing his departure, the former Dagenham & Redbridge trialist told Echosport: “It was for personal reasons to be honest, not just football and work.

“I did hand in a transfer request because I needed to do better for my family. I had to make the move for my family and my family will always come first.

“I live in Poole, they are an ambitious club and that was one of the reasons why I decided to join.

“Quite a few clubs came in for me. I didn’t just jump into a decision, I weighed up my options, I went to speak to Tom Killick at Poole and it escalated from there.”

Outside of football, Devlin was previously employed by the Hearn Group – the Dorchester-based company owned by Magpies’ chairman Shaun Hearn But by day the former Dorset Premier League player is now out of work.

He said: “I used to work for Shaun and I’m sure everybody knows that.

“I was sub-contracted to Shaun but one day he just said he didn’t have any work for me.

“I’m not working at the moment and it’s hard but hopefully I will get some work soon. A lot of my friends are also out of work and it’s hard for everyone at the moment.

“Work did have something to do with me leaving but it wasn’t the only reason.”

During his two-year stay at the Avenue Stadium, Devlin scored 11 goals in 104 appearances and also scooped the Supporters’ Player of the Year prize on two occasions, as well as the Online Player of the Year trophy.

The ex-county town favourite added: “I have some good memories from my time at Dorchester. The people there are great and they have been brilliant to me.

“They have helped me out a lot and I will always appreciate that.

“They’ve done quite a lot for me, it’s just unfortunate the way things have worked out. My circumstances changed so I had to make a change and I have to do what is best for my family.”

After enjoying a winning debut last Saturday, Devlin, who has joined the Dolphins on a two-and-a-half year deal, is hoping to propel his new side to the Evo-Stik Division One S&W play-offs.

He said: “Hopefully we will reach the play-offs this year and then push on. It’s a club on the up.

“With the finances at Dorchester, I don’t think they have the money to go up. They could prove me wrong, I just do not know.”

* AFC Bournemouth’s Npower League One clash with Exeter City today has been postponed due to a frozen Seward Stadium pitch.

The match has now been rearranged for Tuesday, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Comments are closed on this article.