HAVANT & Waterlooville have lost a goalkeeper and gained a striker, writes WENDY GEE.
The Dr Martens Premier Division outfit are overjoyed at pinning down former AFC Bournemouth frontman David Town on a two-year contract.
But co-manager Mick Jenkins was deeply unimpressed with the parting comments of Staffordshire-based 'keeper Aaron Kerr who has vowed not to play for the club again.
Boscombe-born Town is returning to his Bournemouth roots after being released by Boston this month.
The 26-year-old joined the Cherries as a trainee in April, 1995 and went on to make 18 starts and 48 substitute's appearances for the Dean Court club before moving to Rushden & Diamonds for £35,000 in May, 1999. He has helped both Rushden and Boston move up from the Conference into the Nationwide League. His brother, Matty, plays locally for Wessex League side Lymington & New Milton.
Jenkins said: "We've got a local lad on a free transfer and on reasonable money. He fits the bill perfectly. David's a good lad with a refreshing attitude - and he's a winner. He has good awareness in and around the box and will give us extra edge and competition up front."
Kerr, whose unhappiness came to a head when he missed the last four games of the season, claimed the problem started when he was unable to make January's FA Trophy game at Sutton United - for which the former Rotherham and Wolves youngster was subsequently fined.
He blamed Jenkins for leading him to believe the match would be postponed and suggested that while he got on with Hawks' other co-manager Liam Daish - the former Birmingham and Coventry defender - there was a clash of personalities with Jenkins.
Travelling from the Midlands compounded Kerr's problem, but Jenkins said: "Aaron knew the commitment before he signed for us and we tried to make life as comfortable as possible for him by sorting out hotels and so on. Now it's all been thrown back in my face by someone who's never played a Football League game in his life!
"I could accept criticism from an experienced ex-pro but not from a 19 or 20-year-old."
The goalkeeper's position has been a continual problem for the Hawks who have lost Sal Bibbo and Paul Nicholls in recent seasons. The hunt is already on for a replacement and possible targets include Chris Tardif of Portsmouth and Gareth Howells of Aldershot Town.
Former Hawks skipper Timmy Hambley has joined DML Premier rivals Welling United on a two-year deal.
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