DEAN Inman hopes Hampton & Richmond fans understand why now is the right time to end his love affair with the Beavers.
The 22-year-old centre-back confirmed he will sign on the dotted line for Hayes & Yeading United by the weekend, ending his six-year association at The Beveree.
Inman sent good wishes to Beavers fans, while thanking former boss Alan Devonshire in particular for nurturing him through a footballing apprenticeship which saw him attract the attention of QPR not so long ago.
However, after an injury-hit campaign last season, he feels the offer to return to Conference South level at United was too good an opportunity to turn down.
He said: “I loved every minute of my time at Hampton. I went there when I was 16 straight from Brentford when things did not work out there.
“Alan Devonshire helped me out a lot, and though I did not play much last year I always got on well with Mark Harper, plus the supporters were great, so I always got on well with everyone.
“But I spoke to Paul (Barry) at the beginning of pre-season and said I wanted to try and play at the highest level I can. I’ve played a lot in the Conference South, so it would have hurt to stay at Ryman Premier level, knowing in my head I’m wanted elsewhere and capable of playing at Conference South if not higher.”
Now injury-free, albeit a little short of match fitness after a pre-season disrupted by the uncertainties over his future, Inman is keen to push on and capture the form which attracted QPR’s advances last summer.
He added: “Possibly QPR came too soon, as I was still a bit naïve in the game. I’ve had a year and a half in the Conference South since then, got many more games under my belt and I feel more mature as a player – more grown up, fitter and stronger.”
