MAGNANIMOUS Phil Simkin shrugged off the disappointment of Nathan Walker’s departure to offer generous praise to the highly-rated defender.

Walker completed his move from Simkin’s Hamworthy United to Wimborne Town on Wednesday night and is set to make his debut in Magpies’ Wessex Premier Division clash against Lymington Town tomorrow.

The big centre-half was known to share a good rapport with Simkin and proved a hugely popular figure at the County Ground, captaining the team during his stint at the club.

But he opted to take the chance to join older brother Michael at Cuthbury and Hammers boss Simkin has no bitterness about the 22-year-old’s switch to their Wessex League rivals.

He said: “I’m disappointed and I didn’t know what to expect really.

“I told him I didn’t want him to go. It’s been well documented we’d have been quite happy for him to step up, but I’m a bit disappointed he’s taken a sideways move.”

Despite the fact Simkin would rather have seen Walker join former Hammers chief Alex Pike at Gosport Borough in the Southern League, he was happier to focus on praising the former Dorchester player.

“I think we’ve been good for each other,” Simkin told the Echo.

“He’s been tremendous for Hamworthy United and I’d like to wish him all the best.

“He’ll always be my friend and he’ll always be welcome at our club.

“Wimborne are getting a good player. He’s been very loyal to us and I wish him all the best.”

Hamworthy United, meanwhile continue life after Nathan Walker with a trip to Brading.

The club captain left the County Ground for Wimborne on Wednesday evening. On the same night, his old team-mates beat Laverstock and Ford 2-1 thanks to a Ryan Dovell double.

Max Crow, Stuart Cannie, Mark Dancer and Ollie Cherrett are all doubtful for tomorrow’s clash, with Dovell (work commitments) unavailable.

Hamworthy United: (from) Peters, Crow, Lockyer, Gilbert, White, Horlock, Dancer, McCabe, Jackson, Byerley, Cannie, Jeffes, Vavrecka, Lanahan, Cole.