Weymouth star Josh Wakefield joins Salisbury

Wakefield joined Weymouth as a founding member of the Mark Molesley era in 2017. 

The former Bournemouth, Yeovil and Dorchester man played 148 games in his Terras career, scoring 12 goals.

Wakefield won back-to-back promotions with Weymouth plus the Dorset Senior Cup last season.

This season, Wakefield has found starting opportunities hard to come by and scored just one goal in 17 appearances.

He links up with former Weymouth player-manager Steve Claridge and striker Harry Baker at Southern League Premier side Salisbury.

Weymouth vice-chairman Paul Maitland, who knows Wakefield well from his time as assistant to Molesley, heaped praise on the 27-year-old.

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He told Echosport: "He came in with Mark in 2017 and that was a rebuild project at that point.

"He was part of that group that went on that incredible journey over the last four years.

"Josh, as much as he's a good football player, he's an even better human being.

Josh Wakefield, centre right, has left Weymouth after 148 games Picture: MARK PROBIN

"He will be missed off the pitch as much as on the pitch. With Josh, it feels like a big character has left the club.

"What's refreshing with Josh is that he's always very honest. He's not one that sits in the background and keeps his mouth shut.

"If he feels it's time to move on, that's fair enough.

"He hadn't played as much as he would've liked this year, he's building a decent business for himself.

"He felt that with the travel and commitment needed at National League level he wasn't going to to be able to do that.

"It became apparent over the season that we were going to have to say goodbye this summer and it was done very amicably.

"It's a big gain for Salisbury."

Speaking to Salisbury's website, Wakefield said: "Really looking forward to the challenge, I’m excited to get going for the club and hopefully have a successful season.”