BILLERICAY Town manager Craig Edwards has slammed Ryan Charles’ lack of commitment after he backed out on a move after agreeing terms to sign for Bishop’s Stortford.

Charles, formerly of Luton Town and Merthyr Town, had agreed to join Billericay in principle, having signed registration forms, with the deal only not confirmed due to delays with international clearance.

But Edwards was staggered after he was called by a supporter telling him Charles, 24, has taken to Twitter to express his delight at signing for Conference South side Stortford.

“It is very disappointing to say the least,” said Edwards. “Everything had been left very amicably with Ryan but then I got a phonecall out the blue saying he had signed elsewhere and I thought ‘you have got to be joking’.”

Charles tweeted on Monday night: “Happy to say I’ve agreed terms with @Bis_Storford_FC & will be playing there next season feels good to be back in the conference leagues !

“Would just like to say sorry to @BTFC for messing them around but the opportunity came to play higher which I couldn’t turn down.

“I really am sorry & wish you all the team and management the best for the season but I just want to play at the highest level. I’m sorry again.”

But Edwards says he is glad he found out how committed Charles was before he joined Town.

“If this is his attitude then I am glad he isn’t here with us,” he added. “I haven’t heard from him, only seen what he posted online, and I wish Bishop’s Stortford good luck with him.

“This has freed up some money elsewhere and we will strengthen in the coming weeks.”

Edwards will cast his eye over a number of released professional players this Friday before they begin a busy pre-season against Basildon United on Saturday, July 12.