AIDEN PALMER admits it was a "very hard" decision to decide to leave Chelmsford City. The left-sided player made more than 100 appearances in two seasons with the Clarets – mainly at left-back – but announced last week he was to move on.
It has since been revealed that the 26-year-old has joined Ebbsfleet.
He said: "It was a tough decision. Deep down I didn't really want to leave to be honest, but I've got a young family.
"It was very hard, I didn't want to leave, especially after the play-offs last year but I think it's for the best for my family's sake."
Speaking on Twitter after revealing he was to move on, he said he had "nothing but good memories of the club".
And as he moves on, he admits he is hoping to be fondly remembered by the Clarets fans.
"I'd like to say a big thank to all the fans, the board and everyone associated with the club.
"It has been the best two years of my life and I'm grateful for that.
"I have decided which club I'm joining, but I'm not able to say anything yet.
"I will be playing against Chelmsford next season though.
"I hope to get a good reception. The fans have been great to me, I've not left the club on bad terms or anything like that, so I'm hoping that I will get a good reception from the fans.
"I want to Chelmsford to be up there, I've spoken to Dean Holdsworth and Mansell Wallace and told them I want Chelmsford to be up there.
"I'm a Chelmsford supporter, obviously I want to win the league but I want them to be up there as well."
Manager Holdsworth admitted he was sorry to see Palmer go but that the Clarets were simply not able to match the terms offered by Palmer's new club.
"He's got a much better financial offer," he said. "He's got to think of his family and I understand and respect that completely.
"It wasn't a football decision, it was a financial one. He's very respected by everyone. As a manager you have to understand players will come and go.
"They go for the right reasons, and he's bettered himself, by playing some good consistent games for Chelmsford. He's got a good financial offer so I wish him well.
"We couldn't match what he was offered."
Another player seemingly bound for the Melbourne Park exit door is winger Anthony Cook.
Cook, whose penalty secured the play-off semi-final first leg win over Salisbury last month, has claimed on Twitter that he does not want stay at the club after not being paid some expenses.
He wrote: "Definitely can't stay now... refusing to contact me about unpaid expense but choosing to talk to other players about me. Enough is enough.
"Would have loved to stay but the disrespect is way too much to deal with... I hope the club do well the fans deserve it great fans."
