WEYMOUTH new boy Paul Buckle has refuted suggestions he was forced to leave Aldershot because of the travelling involved to and from his home in Devon.

The 33-year-old midfielder claims he quit the Conference club after they refused to honour a re-negotiation clause in his contract.

Buckle, who led Shots to Ryman Premier Division glory last season, explained: "I notice Aldershot are saying I left because I've just bought a house in Torquay and couldn't cope with the extra travelling involved with playing in the Conference. Truth is I've been living in Devon for the past five years and the travelling has never been a problem.

"The reason I've moved is down to a clause I had in my contract which said that I could re-negotiate my terms if the club were ever promoted to the Conference. It's something that lots of players arrange when they sign for teams and it makes sense because there's a big difference between playing in the Ryman and the Conference.

"Last season I captained Aldershot to promotion and so that meant I could exercise my right to re-negotiate my terms. However, they refused to let me, claiming they had no money available and so effectively I became a free agent.

"I was very happy at Aldershot and wasn't looking to leave. I've always enjoyed a good relationship with the fans up there and was looking forward to playing in the Conference.

"That's not to say Weymouth are my second choice because they're not. If I'd successfully re-negotiated with Aldershot before Steve Claridge made his approach then I would have still considered

moving."

Buckle's contract wrangles at the Recreation Ground began around the same time as the Terras visited for a pre-season friendly three weeks ago.

"The first I knew of Weymouth's interest was after that game," said Buckle. "Apparently Steve Claridge was impressed with my performance and enquired about my availability afterwards. I don't know whether it was because we lost the game 2-0, but Aldershot's chairman gave him permission to talk to me and it's been going on since then.

"I finally signed on Friday and met Steve and the squad for the first time at Gloucester on Saturday. I already knew Steve Tully, Lee Russell and Jason Matthews from my Torquay and Exeter days, but the rest where complete strangers to me.

"But straight away I knew I'd made the right decision. I'm ambitious, hungry and totally committed and there's no question that Weymouth are going places."

Winning the Ryman title last season has given Buckle a taste for success and he's determined to reach the Conference again.

He added: "I know it's meant dropping down a league, but I've come to Weymouth because I'm ambitious. I've only had a brief look at the squad but it was long enough to realise we're good enough to be up there challenging for promotion.

"But winning championships it not just about how good you are as individuals. It's about hard graft and being able to roll up your sleeves.h. If we work hard and everyone's honest then we'll be in with a great chance."

Meanwhile Buckle, who is married with two children and works as a full-time youth soccer coach, has no regrets missing Alder-

shot's opening Conference day victory over Accrington Stanley yesterday, which was live on Sky Sports.

"I saw the match and was pleased they won," he said, "but I have no regrets about leaving. I'm a Weymouth player now and can't wait for our season to begin."