FANS' favourite James Belshaw has admitted he was devastated not to get the chance to play one more game for Tamworth FC before his departure.
But the popular goalkeeper, who completed his move to Harrogate this week, says he leaves The Lamb with fantastic memories.
And he says he holds no grudges with manager Andy Morrell, despite losing his place in the side to Dan Jezeph in the final weeks of his Tamworth career.
Belshaw has returned to full-time football with Harrogate, who will be among the clubs battling Tamworth for promotion from National League North.
He departs the Lambs after three seasons and said: "It has been three fantastic years and everyone I have come into contact with has been great.
"From the management, the players, the backroom staff, the fans – all those in and around the club have been very supportive.
"It has been overwhelming at times to be honest.
"I have played the best football I have produced with Tamworth and so I have a lot of time for everyone there.
"There are a lot of people there who deserve success.
"But I have to do what is best for me and I was ready to take the jump to be honest. I wanted to try full-time football again.
"There's no better feeling than playing football every day and I now have the chance to do that with Harrogate.
"I am just excited to get started now.
"I have quit my job and some people might see that as a risk. But it is something i was willing to do.
"I have been given the security of a two-year deal and I am looking forward to the challenge that awaits now.
"Harrogate is a club that I really admire and I am going there to win and push for promotion next year.
"Simon Weaver is a great bloke. He's a bit like Andy (Morrell) in a lot of ways.
"He is passionate and very astute and he really sold Harrogate to me. I have been really impressed by his vision of where he sees the club going."
Belshaw admitted he had hoped to play some part in Tamworth's final game of the campaign against Altrincham.
He was named on the bench but didn't come on.
But despite the disappointing end to his Lambs career, the 26-year-old says he would not rule out working with Morrell again.
"My biggest disappointment was that I didn't get to play a part in that last game," said Belshaw.
"I had informed Andy that I wanted permission to talk to Harrogate because I was looking to move back into full-time football.
"I was then offered a new deal to stay at Tamworth for less money and so wanted this opportunity to talk to Harrogate.
"I found myself out of the side and I have to be honest, it was a disappointing last couple of months considering what I had done for the club for the past three years.
"But that's football and these things happen. Andy had to do what he felt was best for the club.
"I don't hold any grudges. He was supportive of me and, likewise, I always felt I supported him by signing contracts early.
"I would never rule out working with him again. There's no animosity there."
And the former Walsall keeper has also backed young Jezeph to make his mark with the Lambs next season.
"He has a lot of potential," Belshaw said. "That's clear to see. He's a quiet lad but hard working, always putting in extra training behind closed doors.
"I hope he kicks on and Andy puts his trust in him. I think he can become a good keeper and so I hope he retains the number one shirt."
That Tamworth shirt is something Belshaw has not ruled out putting on again one day – and he admits lining up against them will be 'weird'.
"Who knows whether our paths will cross again?" he said. "As I have said, I have a lot of love for everyone there.
"I will certainly be looking for that Tamworth game first when the fixtures come out.
"It will probably end up being the opening day of the season! I would like to think I will have a good reaction when I go back to Tamworth even if there is some banter flying about!
"It will certainly be a weird day but I will become the first person to have played on both sides of El Plastico! It will be nice to see everyone again."
