WIMBORNE Town boss Simon Browne insisted there was “nothing mercenary” about Carl Preston after the winger’s move to Blackfield & Langley.

The Sydenhams Premier title chasers moved quickly to recruit former Poole Town wide man Preston immediately after the Magpies announced their playing budget had been axed.

Preston has been ever-present in all competitions since his summer switch from the Dolphins, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances.

But with Browne’s pot for player wages now empty, the Cuthbury manager understood his top scorer’s decision to step down a level from the Southern One South & West and left open the door for a return.

He said: “Carl and I had a good chat at training, he didn’t want to leave but the financial situation meant he couldn't turn Blackfield down.

“There is nothing mercenary about what he’s doing. He has a young family and the money forms a chunk of his weekly income so he was not in a position to say no.

“There have been no bridges burned, Carl’s attitude has been excellent throughout. I understand his position completely and we left it on good terms.

“I asked if he could consider coming back next season if the budget situation gets sorted out and he said he would.”

Preston, a former Poole teammate of Blackfield boss Glenn Howes, briefly attracted interest from Wimborne's divisional rivals Winchester City earlier in the campaign.

Weather permitting, Blackfield - currently second in the Sydenhams Premier - return to action at bottom club Folland Sports tonight (Tuesday).