TOM Killick has spoken out over the departure of defender Drew Eccott-Young, labelling his Magpies exit as disappointing.

Killick’s frustration stems from having agreed terms with the former Hamworthy United right-back, only for Wimborne Town to swoop in and gazump the Magpies.

Wimborne came in for Eccott-Young after their right-back Oakley Hanger joined Steve Tully’s rebuild at Poole Town.

While Killick did not directly blame Eccott-Young, he did not hide his irritation at the situation, admitting he was "surprised".

He told Echosport: “Yeah, I was a bit disappointed.

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“With non-contract players all you can do is try and agree something, then you shake hands on it and have an agreement.

“You’re very much hoping that there is going to be honour on both sides.

“I must admit Drew, I always thought he was a solid straightforward character.

“So, when we did reach an agreement, there are people in the past that I would’ve not been 100 per cent sure of in terms of adhering to that.

“I must admit I was a bit surprised when Drew made the decision he made, but Wimborne made him a financial offer that he felt he couldn’t refuse.

“Notwithstanding the fact that he did have an agreement in place with us.

“As disappointed as I am, people conduct themselves in the way that they want to conduct themselves and you have to just move on.”

Frustrated as Killick is, however, he also lays no blame at Wimborne’s door.

He added: “They don’t have to respect a gentleman’s agreement.

“If I was in their shoes, if someone hasn’t signed a form, you can persuade them if you want them.

“Wimborne were in a situation where it happened quite late because they lost their right-back to Poole.

Oakley Hanger triggered Wimborne's move for Eccott-Young after joining PooleOakley Hanger triggered Wimborne's move for Eccott-Young after joining Poole (Image: GRAHAM HUNT)

“So, suddenly they needed a right-back and approached Drew.

“They’re powerful financially, even though they’re a newly-promoted club, and were able to offer him a financial package that persuaded him.

“I’m not critical of them.

“From Drew’s point of view, he was never going to play in front of Jack Dickson, whereas at Wimborne he would probably end up being first-choice right-back.

“You just have to move on with these things, but I won’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed because I did feel he was a fairly straightforward lad.

“When we had our agreement I did feel he was one of the people that I could be confident would not renege on it, but you live and learn.”