Oxford City keeper Richard Knight has left the Zamaretto Southern League Premier Division strugglers.

But Knight’s departure has been tempered by midfielder Dave Savage’s decision to reject a move to UCL Premier League club St Neots Town.

Knight, 31, the former Oxford United No 1, who signed for City in the summer of 2009 from Brackley Town, told boss Mike Ford before their midweek goalless draw at home to Halesowen that he was calling it a day.

Former Forest Green Rovers keeper Terry Burton has been drafted in for Saturday’s derby trip to Banbury and Tuesday’s game against Thatcham in the League Cup.

“Richard texted me on Tuesday and told me that he was not available to play,” said Ford, who was forced to play coach Paul Davis in goal at short notice.

“He told me he wasn’t enjoying playing any more and was finding it difficult with travelling down from Burton all the time.

“My view is that it was always going to happen, so it wasn’t a surprise.

“He is a very talented and experienced goalkeeper who has played well for me this year.

“He missed two cup games and two league games and with a keeper you can’t just replace him with an outfield player.”

Ford added: “Savage didn’t play on Tuesday because he was having talks with St Neots who are looking to buy their way to promotion.

“He felt he had to talk to them, but he has decided to stay with us which is good news for me.

“Richard left me in the lurch which is a bit disappointing, but we’ve got Terry who is a good keeper for the next two games. And then we’ll see where we go after that.”