ROBBIE Matthews' switch to Southern One South & West rivals Winchester City has "disappointed" Salisbury manager Steve Claridge.

The vastly experienced 34-year-old, who can play as a centre-half or striker, plumped for a move to the Denplan City Ground last week and made his Winchester debut in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by league leaders Hereford.

Claridge says he tried to retain the services of the Whites legend by making him a "good offer", but he declined.

"I'm still not quite sure of the situation," said the Salisbury boss.

"Robbie said he would ring me at a certain time and didn't, and that was the end of it.

"I am disappointed with the way this has come about - Robbie was made a very good offer but chose not to accept it."

Matthews has since been in contact with The Daily Echo’s sister paper, The Salisbury Journal, on Facebook, taking issue with Claridge’s comments.

He posted: "1. I got offered a lot less money after helping with promotion.

"2. I was told I'm only worth that much to the club.

"3. Told I wouldn't play much and would always be injured.

"4. I rang Claridge exactly at 9pm he didn't answer so left a voicemail.

"5. Didn't get paid a penny for the month I worked there."

He added: "Nice one Claridge."

Matthews, nicknamed Mooncat by Whites supporters, appeared 32 times in the club's Sydenhams Wessex Premier-winning season of 2015/16 and scored 13 goals.

Born-and-bred in Amesbury, the 6ft 2in targetman played for the old Salisbury City, Bemerton Heath and Eastleigh in his early years.

Then, after a successful return to Salisbury City, he moved on to Crawley, Kidderminster, Newport County, Forest Green Rovers, Gosport Borough, Hayes & Yeading and Dorchester Town.