ROBBIE Matthews' switch to league rivals Winchester City has "disappointed" Salisbury manager Steve Claridge.

The vastly experienced all-rounder plumped for a move to the The Denplan last week.

And the 34-year-old, who can play as a centre-half or striker, made his debut in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to table-topping Hereford.

Claridge says he tried to retain the services of the Whites' legend by making him a "good offer", but he declined.

"I'm still not quite sure of the situation," said Claridge.

"Robbie said he would ring me at a certain time and didn't, and that was the end of it.

"I am disappointed with the way this has come about - Robbie was made a very good offer but chose not to accept it."

Matthews has since been in contact with the Journal on Facebook, rubbishing the head coach's comments.

He posted: "1. I got offered a lot less money after helping with promotion.

"2. I was told I'm only worth that much to the club.

"3. Told I wouldn't play much and would always be injured.

"4. I rang Claridge exactly at 9pm he didn't answer so left a voicemail.

"5. Didn't get paid a penny for the month I worked there."

He added: "Nice one Claridge."

Matthews, nicknamed Mooncat by Whites supporters, appeared 32 times in the club's Sydenhams Wessex Premier winning season and scored 13 goals.

Born-and-bred in Amesbury, he started his career with old club Salisbury City in 2006 where he spent three years, before moving on to Crawley, Kidderminster, Newport County, Forest Green Rovers, Gosport Borough, Hayes and Yeading and Dorchester Town.