SCOTT Cousins has admitted it was a tough decision to leave Clarence Park after four years with the Saints. The long-serving defender has signed for Carshalton Athletic in the Ryman Premier Division but told The Herts Advertiser it was hard to leave a clu

SCOTT Cousins has admitted it was a tough decision to leave Clarence Park after four years with the Saints.

The long-serving defender has signed for Carshalton Athletic in the Ryman Premier Division but told The Herts Advertiser it was hard to leave a club where he'd had so many good times.

"It was a real tough decision," said Cousins.

"I've been at the club for four years and had some real good times. The promotion season was excellent, it was the best season ever and we played some fantastic football.

"It's a shame it has come to an end because I'm not the kind of player to move from club to club but I think this move will benefit me greatly."

The former QPR and Chelsea youngster revealed he had other offers to stay in Blue Square South and that he was initially worried about dropping down a division.

"I had offers to stay in the division, I could have signed for Welling United with Lee Clarke but I decided to join Carshalton. They missed out on promotion last season but they've got a growing reputation.

"It wasn't easy to step down a division. I was a bit worried about moving down a division but I went and saw the manager and was impressed."

Cousins has always been a popular figure with the Clarence Park faithful and wished to go on record to thank them for their support during his time with the Saints.

"I'd like to go on record and say thanks to the fans, they've been great to me.

"When I had my badly broken leg at Tamworth, and I'd hobble along to games on my crutches the fans would always come over and see how I was doing. The chairman and his wife have also looked after me.