PORTHLEVEN boss Graham Blake admits he is "really disappointed" after defensive pair Ed Timmons and Joe Cooper decided to leave the club.

Timmons’ latest spell at Gala Parc lasted just two weeks, while Cooper, who appeared set to join from Falmouth Town last week, has had a change of heart and decided not join after all.

The pair were both unveiled as St Dennis players on Thursday.

The Saints are set to complete the signing of Cooper from Falmouth, with Cooper having never officially become a Porthleven player in his brief association with the club.

The club announced the return of right-back Timmons on the day of their league game at home to Mousehole on October 10.

But after playing against the Seagulls and in Port’s heavy defeat to Bodmin Town on Saturday, the former Falmouth, Bodmin and Helston defender has moved on again.

The Packet broke the news last Thursday that Cooper had ended his seven-year stay at Bickland Park to also join the Fishermen, but the centre-back has since opted to follow close friend Timmons to Boscawen Park instead.

READ MORE: Falmouth Town captain ends seven-year stay at club to join local rivals

“It’s a bit disappointing on my part because I put it all over the papers and then they just go and it’s like there’s no respect in football sometimes,” Blake said. “I’m really disappointed, and it makes you wonder why I do it.

“I found out [that Cooper had changed his mind] last night [Wednesday] and it’s just disappointing. It just makes me look like a bit of an idiot."

The additions of Timmons and Cooper were seen as a bonus for Blake, who had not been in the market for either a right-back or centre-back but chose to bring the experienced pair in after they approached him.

It means their swift departures have not cost Porthleven or Blake anything in terms of personnel – although the manager did admit the saga had cost him a bit of his love for the game.

He said: “I’ve got centre-halves. I’ve got Hughie [Howlett], I’ve got Jake [Harrison], I’ve got Max Roberts who can play there, Isaac [Dryburgh], and with full-backs we’re fine.

"The only position I’m really looking at, obviously with Rob [Wearne] injured, is someone going forward.

“If that comes along that then brilliant, but apart from that I haven’t really lost anything. The only thing I have lost is a little bit of love for the game.”

He added: “I’m lucky enough to have a great bunch of lads. We were doing all right before they entered the scene and we’ll be all right after it.

“If anything, hopefully it’ll make us a bit stronger. It’s certainly made me stronger.”

Blake and his side will now turn their attention back to matters on the pitch, with the Fishermen visiting in-form Camelford on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).