Tooting & Mitcham United boss Craig Tanner reckons Frankie Sawyer’s shock exit was all about money.

The striker, who scored 14 goals for the Terrors after re-signing for the club in October, joined Ryman Division One South strugglers Redhill earlier this week despite initially telling Tanner he did not want to leave.

Ironically, Sawyer’s last goal in a Terrors shirt came in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Redhill at Imperial Fields.

And he may be regretting his decision as, since his departure, the Terrors have reached the London Senior Cup final.

Tanner hinted that Sawyer’s head was turned by money thrown at keeping Redhill, currently second from bottom, in the Ryman League.

Wimbledon Times:

Disappointed: Terrors boss Craig Tanner was left with sour taste in the mouth after Frankie Sawyer decided to join Redhill

“When Frankie came back to us last year, he took a drop in wages and left a club he loved [Hastings United] because he was not enjoying his football,” he said.

“When Redhill made a seven-day approach two weeks ago, Frankie told me he was not interested in a move because it was a backward move and he did not know the manager.

“Then on Monday he told me he was joining Redhill.”

He added: “It’s disappointing and the timing is a little bit strange, but I heard he was offered £300 a week.

“It’s left a sour taste in the mouth and you’re always learning about players, and I’ve learnt something.

“But I won’t hold a grudge, and I wish Frankie all the best.”

Meanwhile, Saidhu Khan’s early strike on Tuesday night booked the Terrors’ place in the London Senior Cup final at the expense of Cray Valley.

Their opponents in the May 6 final remain to be seen, but Tanner is hoping the lure of a cup final spot will spur his players to an inspired final 10 games of what has so far been a disappointing season.

He said: “We played well in the first half against Cray and could have been four goals ahead, but we just failed to put the ball in the back of the net.

“After the break we controlled the game without getting the second goal, but we were resolute and that was good to see.

“The final is not for me, it’s for the team as many of the lads won’t have experienced playing in a cup final before.

Wimbledon Times:

On the spot: Frankie Sawyer buries a spot-kick in November's 1-1 draw with Walton & Hersham in November          SP81822

“Hopefully it will make up for what has been a disappointing season. We started so well and were in the play-offs, but we have been deserted by lady luck on too many occasions and been missing players at key times.”

He added: “But the players are now playing for a place in the final, so hopefully that will give us some momentum to the end of the season.”

The Terrors, in 12th, go to play-off chasing Whitstable Town this weekend, with Bashiru Alimi (Achilles) the only possible absentee.