‘We  need to move in a different direction’ – Gosport release former Southampton, Burton, Aldershot and Hawks striker  Matt Paterson

Boss Shaun Gale today confirmed the departure of the 33-year-old who has played professionally for Southampton, Burton Albion and Aldershot.

‘We need to move in a different direction,’ Gale told The News. ‘These things happen.

‘We need to freshen things up. It’s not nice when players leave and Matt’s been a great servant, I’ve worked with him for a long time.’

Paterson was in his second spell at Privett Park, having returned to the club ahead of the 2019/20 season after leaving Hawks.

He had worked with Gale at Westleigh Park, having also had two spells there during Lee Bradbury’s time as manager with Gale his assistant.

Paterson had scored just twice for Boro this season, both goals coming in a 5-1 home Southern League Premier South home win over Plymouth Parkway at the end of August.

Gale has Dan Wooden and Harvey Bradbury as senior strike options, while he has recently brought in Southampton Under-18 forward Tommy Higgs on loan.

Higgs was handed his first start in the 2-2 home league draw with Dorchester Town at Privett Park.

The youngster was withdrawn at half-time, though, along with winger Abdulai Baggie with Boro trailing 2-0 – ex-Pompey Academy striker Alfie Stanley netting the opener.

Gale’s introduction of subs Brad Tarbuck - after just one training session following a hamstring injury - and Kyal Williams paid dividends.

They hit back to collect a point through a pair of Wooden headers from Rory Williams crosses - the equaliser coming in the 89th minute.

‘It was a game of two halves, that’s the easiest way to describe it,’ said Gale.

‘We were comfortable first half without really playing well, but again we conceded two terrible goals.

‘In the second half we were fantastic, we absolutely dominated. Credit to the lads, they took on board at half-time what we needed to do.

‘And we had an extremely young side out.’

The only senior starters were Wooden, Williams and Ryan Woodford. Elsewhere, Danny Hollands was serving a one-game ban after picking up five bookings and Andreas Robinson, Matt Briggs and Bradbury were injured.

Pompey loanee Harry Jewitt-White was also still injured, with Gale handing a starting debut to midfielder Reece Wylie.

The 20-year-old - linked with Chelsea a few years ago while at Aldershot - has been signed on a month’s loan from National League South club Hungerford. He partnered Harvey Rew in the centre of midfield.

Following Paterson’s departure, Gale said: ‘There could be a few more ins and outs.’ Asked if they could happen in the next couple of weeks, he replied: ‘Possibly.

‘I tried all last week to get players in on loan. I don’t really want to take youngsters from pro clubs as we have enough of our own. But finding senior players is hard to come by.’

Boro host Harrow Borough in the Southern League this coming Wednesday.