DEPARTING Kenny Clark has tipped Chelmsford City to be in with a shot of promotion next season, but admitted he could not turn a move to Dartford.
The 24-year-old defender joined the Blue Square Bet Premier club this week along with Clarets' midfielder Max Cornhill.
Clark insists Chelmsford did everything they could to persuade him to stay but the lure of Dartford, who finished the season eighth in non-league football's highest tier, was too strong.
"Chelmsford wanted me to stay and if it hadn't been a team in the league above then I probably would have, but I couldn't turn down that sort of opportunity," Clark said. "All players always want to play at the highest level they can. Since being released by Dagenham & Redbridge I've been tried to work my way back up.
"I'm not getting any younger so I couldn't turn the chance down."
And had previous Clarets' boss Glenn Pennyfather still been in charge, Clarke believes he would have come to the same conclusion.
"Glenn was obviously a massive influence in my career but I don't think it would have made any difference if he had stayed," Clark said. "I just need to test myself at the next level."
And now Clark is looking forward to a new start at the Kent club, but with the familiar face of Cornhill by his side.
"I've been playing alongside Max for the last two years and now I'm still stuck with him, I can't get rid of him!" Clark joked. "Max is a good lad and I suppose it does help to have someone you know there.
"It will be a fresh start though and I will need to get stuck in and earn my shirt again.
"I can't wait to get my head down and start the hard work."
But the defender admits he will miss the Clarets, and after missing out in the play-offs this season, Clark has tipped them for a successful 2013-14.
"Chelmsford is a great club and I had two fantastic years there," he said. "The Chelmsford fans were really good to me and they deserve to see their team in the Conference National. We don't know who the new manager is yet but I'm sure he will bring in a few players and Chelmsford will be there or thereabouts regarding promotion next season."
