SOMERSET director of cricket Matt Maynard has reiterated his disappointment with Adam Hose's mid-season departure to Warwickshire and suggested it was the batsman's decision to leave immediately.

The 24-year-old batsman has moved to Edgbaston after reportedly turning down a three-year contract with Somerset, who played their first match without the batsman in yesterday's victory over Hampshire.

Speaking after that match, Maynard said: "It's disappointing when you give a player an opportunity and this happens, but that's sport.

"Plenty of people here have spent a lot of time with Adam, working on his strength and conditioning as well as helping his game progress, but he has made his decision and we wish him well.

Reflecting on why he may have made the move, Maynard said: "It could be the lure of playing at a Test match ground and a club that may be considered 'bigger' than us, but it can't be to do with playing opportunities as he will get no more there than he was here.

"We are sad to see him go but we have plenty of middle order batsmen ready to step up - it's not as irreplaceable as if we were losing a top class opener or fast bowler.

"He may look back in three years time and think 'what was I doing', as I think we are building something here."

The timing of the move has been a cause for debate, coming as it does halfway through the season rather than at the end, when most cricketing transfers take place.

On this, Maynard said: "We gave him the option of staying until the end of the season or leaving now, and he chose the latter.

"There is no point keeping a player who doesn't want to be here, but he was not forced out."

The director of cricket went on to confirm that the caveats in Hose's initial loan move mean the batsman cannot play against Somerset if the two clubs meet in the T20 knockout stages or in September's County Championship clash at Edgbaston.

The futures of numerous other players are still being negotiated, with Maynard expecting further announcements "very soon".