Tooting & Mitcham boss Billy Smith has labelled Craig Tanner's decision to join Sutton United a big mistake before warning off other clubs interested in his star players.

The 20-year-old signed for the Conference South outfit after making more than 100 appearances for the Terrors and eatured in United's 4-0 win at Bognor Regis on Saturday.

But Smith, who had been instrumental in getting Tanner recent trials at league clubs Bournemouth and Colchester United, believes the switch could backfire on the ambitious youngster.

"It is a problem in non-league football when players won't sign contracts because there is always a chance you will lose them if they are offered more money," he said.

"I know he was looking to become a professional footballer and I offered to get other clubs down to have a look at him had he stayed.

"I don't know if he has signed a contract at Gander Green Lane, but I would have thought it is a sideways move for him "They are happy where they are and he would have been better off here at a club looking to go places.

"If he is on a contract then it could come back to bite him because anyone interested would have to pay a fee, which would put off any pro club."

Striker Carl Gibbs moved in the opposite direction last week and has already attracted the attention of Kingstonian boss Stuart McIntyre, who has since made a seven-day approach for the player.

The interest has prompted Smith to agree contract deals with Vernon Francis and Dean Hamlin, but Smith is confident his new frontman, who only arrived at Imperial Fields ten days ago, will not be tempted away.

"He's quite content at the moment and I have no reason to disbelieve him, he added.

"You always get the vultures out there putting in seven-day notices all the time hoping to turn heads, but I think he is quite happy with us."

Tooting came from behind to secure a 1-1 with Ks on Saturday. Matt York scored from the spot just before half-time after Gibbs had been brought down.

The Terrors finished with nine men after Jamie Findlay and Vernon Francis were both sent off.

It left Smith disappointed with a point before firing a broadside at former club Bromley and chairman Jerry Dolke, whose side Tooting face in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

"It was a relief to get out of Bromley because I never liked the chairman," he said.

"I didn't like the feeling at the place and he was one guy I just couldn't get on with."

Smith was asked to leave the club at the start of last season, despite leading them to promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division.