WEYMOUTH manager Brendon King swooped for Michael Walker and then hit back at rival boss Tom Killick over the reasons behind the deal.

King confirmed that terms had been agreed on a two-year contract with Poole’s title-winning captain Walker after Killick had admitted defeat in the race for his signature.

Dolphins manager Killick had previously said he could not match the Terras’ offer for the out-of-contract centre-half despite being keen to retain his services.

The Tatnam boss added that he had “no criticism” of Walker for what he suggested was “not a footballing decision”. Killick added: “It comes down to him making sure his young family are financially supported and I have no issues with that.”

But in an interview with the Dorset Echo, King reacted by claiming: “Michael is getting exactly the same money as he was on at Poole, so that is not correct.

“He stayed loyal to Poole when he was there but now he feels it is the right time to move on, both for his footballing ambitions and his personal ones.

“Michael can see what we are looking to build here and wants to try to help us achieve promotion. He also has a young family and wants to be closer to home.”

Poole will come up against Michael Walker and Nathan Walker in the Southern Premier next term after the younger brother also agreed a deal with Weymouth.

Nathan Walker, a former Wimborne Town and Hamworthy United defender, is set to leave Dorchester Town after securing a one-year contract with the Terras.

Weymouth boss King added: “Michael and Nathan have both agreed to sign and the paperwork will be sorted next week. They are both massive signings for us and players that I know extremely well.

“I have tried to get them several times in the past and I am just glad they are both finally coming back home.

“They would both run through a brick wall for you, they wear their hearts on their sleeves and they are both local lads with exactly the type of attitudes that I want at this football club.”

Poole last week boosted their defensive options by signing Jamie Whisken from AFC Totton on a one-year contract.