David Keenleyside admitted leaving Harpenden Town was “a really hard decision” after he made the move to Bostik South Central League side Hertford Town.

The talented midfielder has played at the higher level before having turned out for St Albans City and Dunstable Town.

And although the Harpenden native thoroughly enjoyed his time at his home-town club, helping them to victory in the Dudley Latham Memorial League Cup in April, he felt the time was right for him to move back up the pyramid.

He said: “It was a really hard decision to be fair. They are doing a lot of great things down there. Danny Plumb is a lovely bloke that is working wonders as is the chairman Roman as well.

“The pitch is looking better, the clubhouse is being re-done and there is a good group of players.

“So leaving all that was really tricky and I took two or three weeks to think about the decision.

“I spoke to Danny quite a few times as well but in the end the football had to speak for itself and I wanted to get back playing at a higher level than last year.

“But it was a really hard decision.”

Keenleyside had dropped down the leagues because the travel commitments needed at that level came into conflict with his job as a newly-qualified teacher.

However, he is now settled into his school and it means he can now commit to making the journeys with his new side.

And he feels the step four Blues, one level above Harpenden, are the perfect club for him to join.

He said: “I spoke to a few of the Hertford boys and they said they were pushing quite high up at the start of the year before dropping off and finishing mid-table.

“So we’re obviously looking to push on, maybe top eight. I’ve not spoken to the management team about that but I think top eight would be a good season for us.

“Hopefully I can add a little bit and create a few goals and link up with the front three.”

He still has one eye on his old club though and admits it’s a case of never say never when it comes to turning out once again in the yellow shirts of Harpenden.

He said: “I’m 27 and I’ve still got a good five or six years in me but Harpenden might come calling again and it might be something I’d be interested in.

“I’d like to go back at some point and probably will but for now it’s all about the higher level.”