KEITH WILSON says he left Burnham Ramblers with a heavy heart, having spent six years at the club.
Wilson was club captain and was manager for four years before leaving to become boss at Heybridge swifts last night (Tuesday).
"It was a massive wrench," he said. "I've got friends that will remaining friends for the rest of my life.
"The chairman [William Hannan] and Shaun Pugh the secretary, without them I wouldn't be where I am. They gave me my chance in management.
"It was very hard. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to the players face to face and it was a bit disappointing, but the club felt it was for the best and I respect that.
"It will be the first fixture that'll look out for when they come out and I've a suspicion it'll be the first game, knowing how things work out like that."
Wilson also praised the man who has temporarily taken over in his absence, deputy chairman and assistant manager David Patient.
"He's the most important," said Wilson. "I wanted him to come with me but he's staying at the moment.
"He's helped me massively. We were a team at Burnham and it's something I want to replicate at Heybridge.
"He made the manager that I am and it was very emotional saying goodbye to him. I had some Burnham Ramblers balls and we met at the pub where I got offered the job and I'm not afraid to say there were tears.
"It's hard leaving these people that you've spent so much time with but that's part and parcel of the game."
