Paul Terry has slammed John Francis for walking out on Hampshire.

Left-hander Francis is expected to join brother Simon at Somerset after turning down the offer of a two-year contract last week.

It was a massive blow to Terry, who first heard the rumours linking the Loughborough University graduate with Somerset in June.

"Everyone is pretty annoyed with John, he led us along," said the Hampshire manager.

"We've backed him all the way, probably more than we've backed any of the university guys, but when I asked him if the rumours were true he denied them and told us he was happy here, so we're a little bit upset about it."

Will Kendall was dropped after five years without missing a championship game for Hampshire on Francis's return from university.

"If we knew John was going to go at the end of the season, we could have played someone else," added Terry, below.

Francis is very close to elder brother Simon, 24, who has won a place in this winter's England Academy party within two years of being released by Hampshire.

And he will back himself to score more runs for Somerset at Taunton next year than the 733 first-class runs he has managed for Hampshire since making his debut in 2001.

Chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "It seems bizarre that somebody who has been a full professional for only two months is claiming he can develop his career elsewhere.

"I spoke to him last week when he told me of his decision.

"All I could say to him was that I am extremely disappointed. I find it very hard to put my hand on my heart and wish him good luck."

Alex Morris and Iain Brunn-schweiler were the two other players who followed Francis out of the Rose Bowl exit door after Hampshire decided not to renew their contracts.

Terry added: "We haven't got a lot out of Alex. We've had to do without him as a bowler for the last two years, which has left us a bit short, and it's possible that he'll need another back operation. We don't think he'll get back to what he was.

"But it was a difficult one because he has changed his action round and is bowling again. I wished him luck - he wants to come back and bowl us out, but there's only so long you can wait on a bloke who hasn't bowled for two seasons."

Berkshire based 18-year-old wicketkeeper Tom Burrows, who kept for the first team as 12th man a year ago, is the reason behind the decision to release Brunnschweiler, who is wanted by Nottinghamshire.

Burrows, who will be offered a contract, is set to be named the Southern League's young player of the year, and Terry added: "Tom is a very good cricketer and we need to start bringing him on.

"I've watched him play for the academy and I know Tony Middleton rates his batting and his keeping very highly.

"It's hard with keepers because there is only one position and Brunnschy is at that stage where he's not going to get a game for us.

"He's relying on Nic Pothas getting injured, because Nic is a quality performer.

"Hopefully, Brunnschy will find somewhere else. He's a great bloke, his attitude is first class and he has improved over the last few years."

James Hamblin and Lawrie Prittipaul, who is set to spend the winter at Paul Terry's Aus Academy, were both offered new contracts despite underachieving this season, while James Bruce, who began the summer as a trialist, is set to sign a two-year deal.

Terry added: "There may be more opportunities for Lawrie next season, depending on who we bring in and with people leaving. James Hamblin also needs to do a lot more.

"James Bruce has done pretty well for us all year and I'm backing him to become a better cricketer.

"He's found his first year of non-stop cricket hard but we're offering him some security and the chance to improve."