Nicky Southall has labelled Carl Rook “disrespectful” after he quit Whitstable by sending a late-night text message.

The former Dartford and Tonbridge striker joined the Oystermen last month and played 45 minutes of Town’s pre-season friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge.

But Rook is now an AFC Hornchurch player after turning his back on The Belmont in a move which angered Whitstable manager Southall.

Southall said: “I got a text at 11pm. Carl said he was leaving Whitstable because he believes he’s better than this level and he doesn’t want to drop down, which I find disrespectful to the rest of the squad.

“I believe you should meet with the manager or at least contact him by telephone. I think he was embarrassed and that’s why he dealt with it in that way.”

Whitstable host Herne Bay in the Bruce Smith Shield on Saturday before Margate visit The Belmont on Tuesday night.