NEW Terras’ midfielder Charlie Davis insists his switch from Dorchester Town to Weymouth was “best for me in the long term”.

The former AFC Bournemouth academy product also insisted he wanted to “keep moving forward” in his career with the Terras.

Davis’ controversial switch between the Ridgeway rivals has caused some tension between himself and supporters, with the former Poole Town man revealing he had received some criticism via social media about the move.

But he insists that is par for the course and, speaking to Echosport, Davis took the time to explain his reasons for joining Jason Matthews’ men next season.

The midfielder, who also revealed he had held talks with a number of clubs, said: “They were all minor conversations and seeing what other people were doing next year. My main conversation was with Dorchester.

“Over the last couple of weeks, all I have heard is ‘this player might be going here from Dorchester, this player might be going there’. A lot of people went very quiet on the front of what was going on, which sort of put a dampener on everything.

“The first conversation that I had with Jem (Mark Jermyn, Dorchester Town boss) was very difficult, he didn’t know what he could offer me.

“It wasn’t very good for stability for next year. In all fairness to Jem I think he has been dealt some difficult cards with how the budget has turned out and with the park and ride.”

He added: “I wanted to keep moving forward.

“As much as Dorchester fans won’t like it, Weymouth are a big club and are always pushing for the play-offs with the ambition of promotion. When Jase made me an offer it was just something I wanted to keep pushing forward with.

“The option to play at Weymouth and do well with them this season was something I wasn’t able to pass up, but it wasn’t taken lightly by any means.

“I wouldn’t have had an offer from Weymouth had it not been for Dorchester taking me last season and me having the year that I did.

“It was difficult to decide to be honest but I just feel it’s going to be best for me in the long term.

“I think Jase knows my strengths and he knows why he signed me, it’s just one of those where I need to back myself when pre-season comes around and do what I can to get into the side as soon as possible.”

Davis is expecting a hostile reception at the Avenue when he returns with his new club, but insists the pressure to perform in that contest will only spur him on.

“It’s part of football and I am looking forward to it,” he added, when asked about when the Terras make the trip to the county town next season.

“I am sure I will get a lot of stick from the fans but it will be enjoyable. I like playing with an atmosphere and I like playing when there is more pressure on a football match, for me it’s great.

“Because of the rivalry between the clubs I don’t think everyone is going to be cheering my name from Dorchester!

“But I’d like to hope that after the match I could walk into the bar and say hello to the majority of the fans.

“Obviously they are not all going to be happy but it’s just one of those things and hopefully they will understand my reasoning.”