BOSS Matty Holmes hailed departing duo Lee Francis and Matt Oldring after their exits from Wimborne Town had been confirmed.

Defender Oldring and midfielder Francis had been part of the squad to help guide Magpies to a 14th-place finish in Southern League South this season.

Holmes told the club website: “Matty has decided not to resign for the new season, with university commitments in Leeds for his final year and football commitments too much.

“He has been a great leader and always given us 100 per cent, he will be a big miss around the place.”

He added: “After a difficult conversation with Franno, it is with heavy heart that Lee will not be staying with us next season.

“He was an instrumental part of the team in our play-off season and in retaining our Southern League South status this year. We wish Lee well for the future.”

Wimborne have however announced that midfielder Franklyn Clarke, goalkeeper Gerard Benfield and defender Sam Davidson have all agreed deals for the 2019-20 campaign.

Magpies have confirmed pre-season fixtures against Weymouth, AFC Totton, Verwood and Christchurch – the first of which is at home to the Terras on Tuesday, July 9.