Jon Wallis has revealed his difficult relationship with manager Martin Hayes was behind his switch from Dover to Blue Square Bet South rivals Dartford.

Despite being offered a new deal at Crabble, the midfielder opted to move to the Darts after five years with Dover, claiming he agreed to take less money because he felt ‘wanted’ by new manager Tony Burman.

The 25-year-old (pictured) had several clashes with Hayes last season after being left out of the Dover side – most notably after the Whites’ historic FA Cup first round win at Gillingham.

He, however, said: "It wasn’t an easy decision. It was tough but I felt it was right. It wasn’t just down to one thing.

"Part of the reason was location. I work in Blackheath, 10 minutes from Dartford and have friends and family up that way but I also wanted to be involved and playing for a club and manager that were desperate to have me in their team.

"Tony Burman said how much he wanted me, which meant a lot to me. Dartford has the potential to be as big as Dover and I believe we’ll do well this year. I have no doubt both teams will be pushing for promotion.

"When the manager loves you to bits and makes you an important part of their squad, then you want to do well for them. I’m the type of player who wants to be loved."

He added: "The Aldershot game was probably the highlight of my career but I was unhappy at what happened with Gillingham away and the way I was left out.

"That upset me but the manager had his reasons. I was left out a few times last season. I had a couple of bad games but thought my standard has always been quite high.

"There were occasions where the manager and I didn’t agree and there were occasions when we let each other know that but even though we expressed our opinions, we never fell out.

"I have got nothing against him but I would be lying if I said I might not be staying at Dover under a different manager."

He added: "Martin told me he wanted me to stay and play for him but I didn’t feel he was desperate to have me in the team, whereas Dartford have given me an important role.

"We parted on good terms. I was happy with the offer from Dover, it wasn’t about money. In the end I am taking less money to go to Dartford where it will be a fresh start and a new opportunity."