JASON Matthews insisted that the departure of winger Dan Smith from the Bob Lucas Stadium was “not a cost-cutting exercise” by the Terras and also revealed he has made enquiries to bring fresh faces into his squad.

Smith played his last game for Weymouth in Saturday’s 2-2 FA Trophy draw at Whitehawk and was wished well by player-manager Matthews when he revealed his exit after Tuesday’s replay.

Asked if Smith’s departure gave him room to manoeuvre with his playing budget, Matthews said: “Very much so.

“It’s not a cost-cutting exercise. I don’t think things ran for Dan since his injury and this gives me scope to hopefully go and get some players, or a player.

“We have seven-day approaches in for a couple of people at the moment.”

Quizzed on what position he felt he was currently looking to strengthen in, Matthews politely declined to give too much away.

He did however, admit that he had an approach turned down by Frome Town keeper Kyle Phillips last week – as revealed by the Robins on Facebook.

“We put seven days in for Kyle Phillips and, obviously, he rejected us due to the travelling, with his wife due to have a baby,” Matthews said.

“He was very honest with us and I wish him all the best for the season.”