JAMIE Turley has turned down an improved contract offer at Eastleigh to step up to the Football League with Newport County.

The 26-year-old centre-back was one of four players, not already on contract for next season, that manager Chris Todd had hoped to keep.

But while Andy Drury, Ben Strevens and Yemi Odubade will all remain at the  Silverlake, Turley has opted to move on in the wake of the club's failure to clinch promotion from the National League.

An Eastleigh statement confirmed: “Despite the club's best efforts and an improved contract offer, Eastleigh Football Club can today confirm that defender Jamie Turley has decided not to renew his contract with the club.

“After receiving offers from the Football League, central defender Turley is understood to have accepted and agreed terms with a League Two club.

“The 26-year-old, who made 46 appearances for the Spitfires, has made his desire to play at a higher level apparent.

"Albeit extremely disappointing to lose a player of his calibre, we understand that, at this stage of his career, it is an opportunity Jamie cannot let pass.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jamie Turley for his efforts over the past two seasons and wish him all the best in his future ventures.”

Turley played for Salisbury City and Forest Green Rovers before joining Eastleigh in 2014.

He told the Newport club website: "I'm delighted to be finally making the step up to the Football League and I want to take full advantage of this opportunity.

"I'm a quick and aggressive player, your typical centre-half really."

Newport, who narrowly avoided relegation last season in 22nd place, are managed by Warren Feeney the ex-AFC Bournemouth forward who had a spell as Salisbury assistant manager.