SAM Cox will not be renewing his Hayes & Yeading contract.
The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster captained the side last season and was named Player of the Year by the club’s fans.
Cox made 44 appearances in the middle of the park and chipped in with three goals as United secured Blue Square South safety after a difficult season.
But he revealed this week that he will not be staying for another crack at the division next term under the leadership of new manager Phil Babb.
The enthusiastic 22-year-old is hoping to climb back up the Football League ladder and is searching for a new club this summer.
He admits he is leaving United with a heavy heart, having built up a strong bond with the supporters, but feels the time is right to move on.
“We’ve left on good terms,” Cox told the Gazette .
“The club was great for me and it’s sad but it’s probably time for me to move on. I need to start kicking on with my career and I want to get back into the full-time environment and see where it takes me.
“It’s a hard one and it’s difficult. My main priority is to get back into full-time football and ideally I want to get back into the Football League. It’s hard of course but it’s still early doors and I’m in the gym every day at the moment.”
Cox is hoping to see Hayes & Yeading do well under former Liverpool star Babb and is confident the new boss can recruit some good players for next season.
“Phil Babb has got a wealth of experience,” he continued. “I’m sure he will come in and hopefully he can get a reaction from the players. I am sure he will be able to get some good players in as well because he is a big name.
“Whatever happens I am still going to be a supporter of Hayes, I’ll be looking out for their results, and I am still going to keep in contact with everyone. I have the utmost respect for Tristan [Lewis], Delroy [Preddie] and Tony [O’Driscoll] and wish them all the best.”
Cox added: "Football is unpredictable and I'm not ruling out a return. The club means so much to me and I'd love to lead the team out again or even manage here one day. But, for now, I feel it is the right time to move on.
“The new manager will want to bring in his own players and I will fully support the decisions he makes to ensure the success of this football club. Thank you all."
