MATTY Holmes says the time is right for his son Luke to "fly the nest" as he leaves Wimborne Town to join Southern League South rivals Salisbury.

Luke Holmes played his final game for Magpies on Monday, providing a brilliant assist in their 3-1 defeat at Black Gold Stadium.

And boss Matty revealed that Luke had already rejected a move away multiple times before accepting the move to Wiltshire.

Speaking to Radio Wimborne, Matty Holmes said: "Luke came here as a young lad when he got released by Bournemouth under Steve Cuss and he's given great service to the football club.

"It's the fourth approach we've had for him from Salisbury and he's turned them down three times to stay at the club because he loves Wimborne.

"But the stage he's at now, 22, I think he realises he now needs to fly the nest and move on.

"He was quite emotional and I thought he had a really good game to finish on Monday. Wimborne will always be in his heart for sure, but it's a decision he had to make."

He added: "I've always said that if an approach comes in for any player, I'll tell them. He's no different because he's my son and we wish him well.

"I think he's done brilliant for the football club."