DEPARTING Essex star Reece Topley had approaches from EIGHT other counties before eventually plumping for Hampshire.

Dad Don has revealed his son was sought-after by a host of rival clubs before deciding to part company with the Chelmsford-based side.

Former Colchester & East Essex star Reece will stay at the County Ground for the remainder of the season but has signed a two-year contract to join Hampshire.

Don said: “Eight other counties expressed interest, which shows how sought-after he was.

“Reece is well-respected here but, one way or the other, we knew last week’s game (the One-Day Cup defeat against Yorkshire Vikings) would be his last for Essex.

“It’s not about money and other counties offered more.

“Essex themselves offered him a good deal to stay.

“But they’re not the club they once were – not compared to five or 10 years ago and certainly not compared to my playing days.

“I still support and love the club and I represented them for a very long time.

“When they do well, I celebrate and when they lose I get really down. “It was therefore an immensely sad occasion, but this is undoubtedly the right decision.”

Topley senior admitted having concerns about the management at Essex.

“I’m disappointed with the way the club has been managed,” he said. “The same people are on the committee now as when I was playing.

“The game has moved on but not necessarily the management of the club and there’s so much uncertainty there – in terms of the players, coaches and captaincy.

“It concerns me and that undoubtedly contributed to Reece’s decision.

“I’d love to see them back in division one, but sadly I think that’s a long way off.”

Reece, Essex’s youngest-ever capped player, suffered a stress fracture in 2013.

It returned last year and curtailed his domestic season.

This season he has been carefully managed by Essex but still managed 25.78 with the ball in first-class cricket and has taken 125 wickets for the club.