BOSS Tom Killick admitted Carl Pettefer had been one of his best ever signings for Poole Town after the midfielder departed for Wimborne Town.

The postponement of Poole’s match against Chesham United on Saturday prevented the 37-year-old from a Dolphins farewell.

Pettefer joined Poole in 2013 and played a key role in the club’s Southern Premier title-winning season.

However, in recent months his game time had been limited.

The former Southend and Oxford United stalwart featured in just one Southern League South match since October’s defeat at Gosport.

And Killick said he could not guarantee Pettefer regular game time.

“It was not an easy decision,” said Killick. “Petts is getting towards the end of his career and it is important, from his point of view, that he is playing regularly.

“We had a discussion and it was mutually agreed it might be better for him to move on, but it was a very difficult thing on both sides.

“I have been at Poole for a number of years now and signed hundreds of players, he has got to be very close to the best one ever in terms of what he brought to the club.

“He has got it all. He is an exceptional player who conducts himself with great decency and integrity in everything he does.

“All good things come to an end and it was felt it was the right thing for him.

“The last thing we wanted was to obstruct him in what he wants to do bearing in mind what he has given us.”

Former Football League star Pettefer will be unavailable for Wimborne’s game at Walton Casuals on Tuesday, but he could make his debut against Farnborough next Saturday before a trip back to Black Gold Stadium on Boxing Day.

Killick described as “very sad” the postponement of the Chesham match, which stopped Poole supporters from giving Pettefer a final send off.

“It was something he really deserved,” said Killick. “We trained on Saturday morning so the players and myself made a presentation to him. The players had their Christmas night out in Bristol and he was able to go on that as well.

“In terms of the supporters, it would have been nice for us to have a game where they could pay tribute to him but it is not to be.

“Fortunately he will be back quite soon with us playing Wimborne at home on Boxing Day.”

Poole announced Pettefer would be inducted into the club hall of fame for his services across the past five and a half seasons.

“I feel he had an attachment to the club and we had an attachment to him,” added Killick.

“It is very sad because he is one of those players who has made a big impact, not just on the field but off the field. He is universally loved and respected.

“With what he has done for the club it is the least he deserves.

“He has had a very good career, both in terms of professional and non-league football. There is no airs and graces about him, he is just a really decent guy.”