VERWOOD Town boss Gavin Reeves admitted striker Joe Wood's anticipated move to Christchurch had left him perplexed – in more ways than one.

Wood netted 19 goals in 39 outings for the Potters last season but has kicked off pre-season with neighbours Christchurch, scoring a hat-trick in their opening warm-up match at Wareham on Saturday.

Summer appointment Reeves claimed he had attempted to contact the burly frontman in recent weeks without success, potentially leaving him with two sizeable gaps to plug following the departure of 11-goal Tyler Rutten to Bashley.

Reeves told the Daily Echo: "Tyler had the decency to tell me he was leaving so while I was disappointed, I had no problem with that. It is when players don't answer their phones and then you hear they're off elsewhere that you get a bit annoyed.

"I'd rather players be honest. It would be a shame if Joe didn't stay with us in the Wessex Premier and chose to play at the level below. The door remains open but if he wants to move on then we will have to do the same.

"It seems a bit odd. Without disrespect to Christchurch, if you're playing in the Wessex Premier you should want to maintain that level. I know they have ambitions over there but it seems a bit strange to me."

Meanwhile, Reeves remains philosophical over losing some of his bigger names, particularly when rival clubs can offer cash inducements.

"Players come and go in the same way managers do. I am disappointed but I won't hold a grudge," he added.

"Talking to Tyler, I knew he had a few offers. I think they (Bashley) have offered him a bit of money and unfortunately, that sometimes sways players.

"Verwood is in an unfortunate position in that respect, we can't give players any cash to stay and that is something we just have to accept. We have to push on now and find some players to replace them."