Mark Smith admits it was a huge disappointment being released by boyhood heroes Brentford – but is still determined to make it as a pro footballer.

The 20 year old has been the Bees' third choice keeper behind David Button and Jack Bonham in recent seasons, as well as going out on loan to the likes of Lowestoft Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough.

He became a Hampton hero at the weekend by helping the Beavers land the Ryman Premier title and promotion back to National League South after a four-year absence.

But the joy of being a title winner has been tempered by the knowledge that the Feltham-born keeper has to find a new club after being told he has no future at Griffin Park.

Champions! Smith celebrates with Hampton fans

It was a bitter pill to swallow for a player who still supports the Bees and who has had a couple of tastes of first team football, sitting on the bench against Oxford and Middlesbrough this season.

Smith said: “My family are Brentford fans and my parents were raised in Brentford, so I have grown up as a fan and still am. I'm disappointed to be let go and it's hard to take, but that's football.

“It was probably time for a new challenge to be honest. Realistically, I knew there was little guarantee of first team football. Jack (Bonham) has been excellent and deserves every bit of the new deal he got.

“But it's been great working with two keepers who have pushed me all the way. I knew I could never have an off day, and I feel I've improved massively.

Rivals for the shirt: David Button and Jack Bonham

“There's no hard feelings. I'm still a huge fan, although I hope I don't get much of a chance to watch them as I want to be playing football.

“I need to get out and prove myself now. I have trials with Stevenage and Oxford, although getting trials is the easy bit – I have to show what I can do now.”

Smith, who also had a loan spell in a struggling Hampton side last season, went back to a Beavers team revitalised by Alan Dowson this year and played 25 games, including the goalless draw with Enfield which clinched the Ryman Premier title on Saturday.

The last time Hampton won the trophy and were promoted to the then-Conference South, they were captained by another Brentford fan who had been released by his boyhood team, Dean Wells.

Smith said: “It was obviously a great day, just getting over the line. Bognor Regis did amazingly well to keep in the running, and we knew that if we conceded a goal we would be in the play-offs instead of winning the title.

“It's won over 46 games, so the players who were there all season have to take the credit, but I like to think I played a part by keeping clean sheets in eight of the last 13 games. I really enjoyed it at Hampton and I wouldn't rule out playing for them again. I just want to enjoy my football.”