POOLE Town boss Tom Killick has insisted he has not had a fall out with Gary Funnell following the unsettled midfielder's surprise move to Christchurch.

The 25-year-old former Cherries YTS player had been out of favour at Tatnam Farm since he came on for Dolphins as a substitute against Consett in the FA Vase on January 19.

Funnell, son of former Cherries and Southampton striker Tony Funnell, scored seven goals in 36 appearances for Poole this season.

Gary cracked 60 in 150 appearances overall for Dolphins, and he quickly got off the mark for Priory on his debut with a consolation goal in their 4-1 defeat at Moneyfields.

Killick said: "I think Gary got disillusioned with us because he felt on occasions we played him out of position and on some occasions we left him out of the side.

"I feel he got frustrated and he decided he wanted to leave.

"He has given us three-and-a-half seasons of very good service so I wish him the best of luck in the future.

"If ever he decides he wants to come back to us I won't have any problem with that.

"He is a very good player and I'm disappointed to lose him."

Christchurch boss Graham Kemp said: "I would never ever criticise another manager for not picking a player.

"They all have their own way of selecting, and Tommy has done a better job than me. Just look at where Poole Town are in the league.

"I know he has Aaron Skelton who has a lot of experience. Maybe Tommy felt there wasn't room for both of them in the side.

"I wouldn't blame Tommy for that. But a class player like Gary becomes available to a club like Christchurch once in a decade and we decided to sign him up quickly."

Kemp added: "Gary made no secret he wants to play at a higher standard and he has the ability to do that. He wants to play central midfield and I can almost guarantee him a place in that position.

"Gary can play the last 12 games for us and we have the use of a very good player.

"We're putting him in the shop window. Both parties are happy with that arrangement.

"I know for a fact almost all the other sides in the Wessex League would want to have Gary in their side. He is a great player."

Funnell, who had spells with Weymouth, Bashley and Salisbury before joining Poole in 2004, lines up for Christchurch at home to Brading in the Sydenhams Premier tonight (7.45pm).

Killick hopes to include striker Stuart Gates, their new signing from Salisbury, in Dolphins' squad for their Dorset Senior Cup semi-final against Portland at Dorchester Town (7.45pm).

Poole also bring in ex-Brighton goalkeeper Mark Ormerod for his debut because Stuart Arthur and Jason Harvell are unavailable.

The winners of Dolphins versus Portland meet Sherborne or Bridport in the final.

Poole Town: (from) Ormerod, C Culliford, I Richardson, Whitley, Cann, Gill, T Smith, Skelton, Saadi, S Smith, Hogan, Osborne, Holmes, Ayres, Gates, Fisk, Tong, Trembath, Lima.

Christchurch: (from) Anderson, Walliss, Dillon, Crutchley, Hughes, Jenvey, Borthwick, Funnell, Cook, Burrows, Rideout, Glasspool, Linpow, Manning, Lawrence, Wallace, Dand.