Sam Saunders admits it was tough to leave Brentford after eight years – but at the age of 33, says he needed first team football.
The popular midfielder became a firm favourite with the Bees' crowd over the years and played a crucial part into helping them into the Championship three years ago.
However, Saunders found his chances limited at a higher level, and after just nine appearances this season, jumped at the chance to join Wycombe Wanderers last week.
He said: “It was hard to leave because I was at Brentford for eight years. You know everyone and it's familiar, but I want to play football. I still feel like I've got a lot to give and wasn't being able to give it.
“With the frustrations of not being picked for one reason or another I felt like I had to get out. I've been at Wycombe before, know the philosophy, and once I knew they were interested I was straight down the road to sign.
“Actions speak louder than words, and I just wasn't playing. At the back end of last season I played nine out of the last 10 games and we won eight of them, so to get a lack of chances at the start of this season was frustrating.
“The gaffer brought players in and obviously wanted to play them, but that's gone now and I can't do anything about that. I look back on my Brentford career with a majority of positives, but now I'm starting a new chapter.
“The biggest positive for me is still playing professional football as 10 years ago I was still working nights on the London Underground. I never thought I'd play in the Championship in my wildest dreams, so every year I'm still going is a bonus.”
Saunders also backed his former team-mates to pull through some difficult times and secure another season at Championship level.
He added: “They've got good players and a lot of quality, and they have shown can hold their own against anyone on their day, but as the gaffer there has said, the biggest problem is a lack of consistency.”
