TAFFY Richardson ended his nine-year love affair with Poole Town with a bitter taste in his mouth, saying he was underused and undervalued at the Tatnam outfit.

The shock blast came after the 46-year-old turned down the chance to stay with Dolphins because he felt like a “charity case” claiming he faced a battle against people questioning his involvement because of his friendship with manager Tom Killick.

The veteran midfielder, who has played more than 400 matches over two spells at Poole, insists he can still cut the mustard at Southern League level.

But despite playing his part in four league titles and two Dorset Senior Cup wins, Dorset’s answer to Stanley Matthews revealed he wouldn’t be featuring at Tatnam and felt relief over his departure.

Richardson told the Daily Echo: “I shouldn’t feel the way I feel about leaving. It is the first time I have left a club and not felt any wrench there and after nine years that is not nice. It is because I know I wouldn’t have been playing and I do believe I should have played more.

“It might be my own personal opinion, but, I was made to feel like a spare part by everyone and that I was being dragged along because I was Tom’s mate.

“Since coming back from my loan spell at Wimborne (during 2011-12), I have felt surplus to requirements and a bit of a charity case.

“There are other bits and bobs that have influenced my decision. I have always felt I have been fighting against certain individuals, including some committee members, who didn’t want me about. Even though we have had great success it hasn’t always been brilliant for me.

“Not one committee member said well done on playing 400 games over 10 years and it just makes you think that it is probably time to move on where I’ll be a bit more appreciated or where I’ll stand more chance of playing. I know I can prove people wrong.”

Dolphins boss Killick said he would welcome Richardson back “with open arms” if he changed his mind but said he understood why his friend felt dismayed.

Killick said: “In hindsight, I should probably have picked him more often that I did. There were times I didn’t select Taff where I ended up regretting it.

“I do feel, at times, he was discriminated against because of his age. There were supporters that were a bit negative towards him so I can understand where he is coming from but I believe he is still capable of playing in the Southern League on a regular basis.”

Richardson concedes, however, that it will take “a brave manager” at Southern League level to sign a player of his age.

The veteran added: “I’m not looking for someone to offer me a contract or any special favours, I’m just looking for an invite to pre-season because I started training four weeks ago and I am as fit as most players. I’ve got to earn the right to play somewhere but I know I can do a job for somebody.”

Meanwhile, Poole’s vice-chairman Chris Reeves said he was “disappointed” by Richardson’s comments and said the club are discussing a testimonial for the Dolphins legend.