DEFENDER Crit Clarke has left Portland United to join Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division rivals Hamworthy United, Blues’ boss Brendon King has confirmed.

Left-back Clarke notified King of his wish to play elsewhere and the two parties agreed to part ways.

Speaking to Echosport, King paid tribute to the former Bridport full-back.

He said: “At the end of the day, he expressed his desire to move on.

“He’s been out for a little while – the last time he played was the 14th of December. He had a suspension, a little bit of illness, been away.

“That’s football, players come and go. We thank him for his time at the club.”

Establishing himself at left-back this season has been promising youngster James Cox.

“Coxy’s done really well the last couple of months,” King said.

“He’s got himself really fit and he’s a strong boy as well. He’s come on leaps and bounds this season.

“It’s quite nice that he’s been playing for the last couple of months and been one of our better players.”