WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley paid tribute to Callum Buckley after the defender made his exit from the Terras.
Popular left-back Buckley terminated his contract after appearing just seven times this season.
The former Bournemouth and Aldershot man struggled to make an impact with the signing of Ollie Harfield and an ankle injury hindering his prospect of regular match minutes.
Buckley also joined BetVictor Southern Premier South outfit Hayes and Yeading United on loan for a month as Weymouth kept the defender match fit.
Manager Mark Molesley admitted the decision to allow Buckley, one of his first signings, to leave had been extremely difficult.
He told Echosport: “It always is (difficult) when one of your own flies the nest. Callum was one of the first players I thought of to bring into the football club with me.
“I knew exactly what I was getting, not only a great footballer but a great person as well. I was delighted when he agreed to join us and how much he enjoyed his time with us.
“What an integral part of the squad he’s been. The difficult decision is out of our respect and our love for Buckers.
“He’s too good to be sitting on the bench and he’s one of those players that keeps getting better and better each time he plays.
“We couldn’t promise him the minutes he deserved and it would’ve been easy to keep him around because he’s such a good character and a reliable, good player.
“I don’t think we would’ve got the best out of him by doing that and he’s got too much to offer. He’s too good a player not to be starting every week.”
He added: “It was a difficult one and it’s always tough because you get fond of your players, especially ones that’ve done so well for you.
“He’ll always be remembered at the football club fondly as a reliable, consistent performer and also as a real gentleman off the pitch – a really nice guy.
“He cared so much about the club while he was here. It’s with much sadness we say goodbye, but he’s welcome back with open arms if ever he wished to.
“But it’s best for both parties he seeks his football elsewhere now.”
