Jake Beecroft’s switch from Whitstable to Folkestone Invicta has angered manager Nicky Southall.

Town boss Southall was left dismayed as the former Tonbridge and Rushden midfielder, 23, opted to join Whitstable’s Ryman League Division 1 South rivals, with Southall suggesting the player’s head had been turned.

Southall said: “It’s a strange one. We had a chat and he told me he thought it was a move to a bigger and better club and gave him a better chance of playing at a higher level.

“I know the ex-manager (Justin Luchford) is working down there and I think his head has been turned.

“I wanted to keep him, he’s a talented player but you need a bit of fight at this level and that’s not part of his game.

“I want players here who want to be here. He goes with my best wishes but he might find next season that the grass is not always greener.”