WEYMOUTH star Brandon Goodship has joined Salisbury after opting to leave the Terras.

Goodship, 27, struggled to make an impact in his second spell with Weymouth last season, scoring just five times in 38 appearances - although he did register four assists.

His 2021/22 record compares unfavourably with a stunning return of 77 goals in 97 games in his previous two-year spell, including five hat-tricks.

That form earned him a move to then League One side Southend United, where he failed to replicate his goalscoring touch, netting six times in 60 matches.

Echosport understands Goodship - one of the top earners at Weymouth - has nearly halved his wages to join Salisbury, who operate one division below the Terras in the Southern League Premier South.

Initially signed until the end of the 2022/23 season, he is also thought to have had a relegation clause in his contract, allowing him to speak to other clubs this summer.

Taking to social media to explain his departure, Goodship said: "A really tough decision to leave Weymouth for next season.

"I just wanted to say thank you to all staff, players and volunteers again this season in what was a difficult year.

"And to all the fans, you stuck by us every single game and were as usual incredible. You will always be held close to my heart and I hope to see you again some day!"

Terras manager David Oldfield admitted the club's decision to move to daytime training played a part in Goodship's exit.

He said: “I want to give a big thank you to Brandon, he is a great player and person both on and off the field.

"Brandon is a player who has been very influential around the club and its successes in recent times.

"We have been in conversation with Brandon throughout the summer, but due to the training schedule, we haven’t found the common ground to reach an agreement.

"But we wish him the very best going forward and send our best wishes for the future to him and his family.”

Chairman Ian White also paid tribute to the striker, adding: “I would like to personally thank Brandon for his incredible contribution to the team during his time with us.

"His fantastic goal tally he’s accumulated during his time with us speaks for itself and it has been fantastic to see him perform so well in a Terras shirt.

"I am proud of his performances and his efforts for the club, particularly with his contribution in helping the club being promoted from the Southern League.

"The Wessex Fantasy Football scheme, funded by the fans, provided the wages for two of his three seasons with us, and he will certainly be remembered here at Weymouth as a fan favourite. Thank you Brandon.”

Salisbury boss Claridge admitted Goodship's arrival gives the Whites "so many options" in attack.

He told the club's website: "I’m really pleased to get him and the other lads we’ve retained or brought in so far.

"With (Abdulai) Baggie departing it freed up some budget which we have been able to use.

"That said, the financial aspect of the move was never a big part of the discussion.

"Despite a lot of interest from many other clubs I always felt like he was set to join Salisbury FC.

"Goodship gives us so many options as he is comfortable playing in two to three positions and that kind of flexibility is important, as we found out last season."