JAMIE Willets revealed it was the hardest decision he had to make in football to leave Alvechurch.
The Church skipper ended a gloriously successful three years at Lye Meadow to become the latest player to be reunited with former boss Ian Long at Stourbridge.
The former Hereford and Stourport Swifts defender, who marked his Glassboys debut with a goal in their defeat at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, said he left with a lot of memories of his time helping Church win two promotions and reach the play-offs last term.
“It’s been the hardest decision I’ve had in football to leave Alvechurch FC,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to wear the armband and lead a club with great success over the last three years.
“I want to thank everyone associated with the club for making me feel like part of a family. I’d like to think I’ve made some friends for life. Thank you especially to (chairman) Richard Thorndike, he looked after me so much and is a genuinely good bloke.
“I wish the club all the best in the future but the time is right for me to move on. Up the Church.”
Church said they been desperate to keep their leader in Willets but they could not match Stourbridge’s deal ‘despite our best efforts’.
“Unfortunately we can’t compete with the deal they have offered and we wish him well,” said the club. “Please remember all the good things he did for us!”
The 27-year-old becomes the 13th player to make the move from Alvechurch to Stourbridge since May, although Zac Foster and Mitch Botfield have since moved back to Lye Meadow.
Alvechurch have also lost front-runner Javia Roberts, who has returned to Walsall Wood.
Church’s home game with Kings Langley was postponed last weekend but they face one of the longest away trips of the season on Saturday with a visit to Lowestoft Town.
Alvechurch are one place and one point above the Southern Premier Central drop zone, but have two games in hand on St Ives Town who sit directly below them.
