Goalkeeper Alan Foster has stunned Oxford City by joining locals rivals Thame United just a week before the start of the new season.

City boss Paul Lee was furious over the 26-year-old's move after he originally said he was staying at Court Place Farm.

He said: "I am disgusted with the way Alan has conducted himself over the last few weeks.

Alan Foster has left Court Place Farm to join local rivals Thame United "Only last month he told us, despite an offer of a lot more money from Thame, he didn't want to join them and we agreed terms.

"He shook hands on it and and signed Isthmian League forms for Oxford City.

"But then when given his new contract which he had demanded, he refused to sign it saying he wanted a few more days to think about it.

"Coincidentally, we then received seven days notice of approach from Thame. He stated that Thame had increased their original offer and had decided to join them.

"He has let everyone down, including himself. There is no way he could have stayed with us, having lost all respect from the players and the management."

Foster said: "I cannot deny my intentions were first of all to sign for Oxford City, which I did do, but in pre-season I just found I was not enjoying it and thought I had made the wrong decision for myself.

"I know it is bad timing with a week to go before the start of the season, but I didn't feel my heart was in it. I can understand why Paul is upset.

"The money was no different from what they offered me the time before. I just felt it was right for me as a footballer to go.

"I am happy with my decision to go to Thame, who are an ambitious and progressive club.

"I have spoken to a couple of the City players and they said fair enough, and that they didn't hold any grudges. I still have a lot of friends at Oxford City and don't want to get into a war of words."

Foster, who has been handed a two-year contract, is likely to be involved in the friendly against an AFC Newbury XI at Windmill Stadium tomorrow.

Thame manager Andy Sinnott said: "It has been Alan's decision. He has done the soul searching and from Thame United's perspective, I am pleased with the outcome.

"He is the best keeper for miles around and probably the best keeper in Ryman Division 1.

Sinnott has also added to his squad by signing 19-year-old midfielder Enzo Silvestri from Hitchin Town.

Lee, who revealed that defender Julian Dark and midfielder Matty Whitehead had rejected approaches by Thame, has moved quickly to fill the void left by Foster's shock departure by signing Paul Thompson from Mangotsfield United.

The 28-year-old, who was out of contract, was previously with Salisbury, Farnborough Town and Swindon Town.

Thompson will play for City at Hungerford Town tomorrow along with Mickey Lewis, who is back after a successful spell playing and coaching in the United States.

But Andy Smith will miss the start of the season after damaging ankle ligaments in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Highworth.