JAKE McCarthy will leave Weymouth after rejecting a new contract offer, the Terras have announced.

McCarthy, 25, is expected to step down one division to join Havant & Waterlooville in the Vanarama National League South.

The former Bournemouth midfielder exits having played 182 times for Weymouth, scoring 29 goals.

McCarthy, who developed a reputation for blockbuster strikes, played 37 games for the Terras last season – behind only Ollie Harfield (41) and Calvin Brooks (40).

Former captain McCarthy achieved two promotions and three trophies with the Terras.

Speaking to Echosport, Weymouth vice-chairman Paul Maitland thanked the Blandford-born maestro for his services to the club.

He told Echosport: “He’s made the decision he needs a change in his career and that’s what he’s done.

“We did offer Jake a new contract. In discussion with his agent (Kevin Davies), they felt it wasn’t a good enough contract for Jake to want to sign.

READ MORE: Calvin Brooks signs new Weymouth deal for 2021/22

“We had a valuation of what we felt was a fair offer. That’s what we put on the table and Jake, well within his rights, chose to see what other offers he could get.

“Clearly, he’s had an offer that reflects to his mind closer to what he feels he was worth. It’s part and parcel of football.

“Players come and go. Jake’s had a tremendous time at the club and we wish him every success for the future.

“There’s no ill feeling from our side. He’s looked at it and felt that what Havant have put on the table is more beneficial than what we were (offering). That’s just life.”

Maitland added McCarthy’s service to Weymouth will never be forgotten.

He said: “No-one should forget or see past his contribution here – it was huge. He’ll be missed by not only the fans, but by staff and people around the club.

“He won’t be forgotten just because he’s moved on. He’s left a real lasting impression here.

“We’ve known for a few weeks he was likely to move on, so we’ve acted on that and replacements have been earmarked and lined up.

“We’re thankful for everything Jake did and we wish him well on and off the pitch for the future.

“I would like to think that if Jake came back with Havant, or any other team, he would be given the reception that befits what he brought to Weymouth Football Club.”

McCarthy is the 11th player to leave the Bob Lucas Stadium this summer after Josh Wakefield, Jordan Ngalo, Pierre Fonkeu, Ade Olumuyiwa, Jack Hoey, Alefe Santos, Jack Dickson, Myles Anderson, Cody Cooke and Harry Burns.

McCarthy’s departure also leaves Weymouth with just one central midfielder – Andy Robinson.