DEPARTED Thurrock full-back Remi Sutton says he is leaving Thurrock with a heavy heart after linking up with Ryman One South side Greenwich Borough.

Sutton becomes the second Fleet player in a matter of weeks to join the temporarily Kent-based club, after their promotion from the Southern Counties Eastern League last season, as following club captain Lewwis Spence.

Having played 51 times for Thurrock last year and helping them to the play-off semi-finals, Sutton told the Gazette he is now looking for a new challenge after joining the side managed by former professional Gary Alexander.

“I am good mates with Spence anyway and once he made the move he spoke to the manager about me,” said Sutton, 24. “Gary called me and asked where I stood and I said I was keeping my options open.

“I had a good season and I wanted to see what would happen. I met with him and I liked the direction him and the club were going in.

“Thurrock wanted to keep me as Stimmo (Fleet manager Mark Stimson) got a lot out of me and I wouldn’t have done as well without his support.

“But I had a good two-and-a-half years there and it was with a heavy heart I leave.”

Sutton and Spence will link up with another familiar face in Rob Gillman at Greenwich Borough, but the left-back doesn’t believe the move is a negative one, with Thurrock more established at Ryman level.

“I understand people might say it is a sideward step but I don’t see it like that. Greenwich are ambitious and I want to be part of something big.

“I felt a bit like a new challenge. The last few years have been frustrating. We have put so much in and fallen short in the play-offs.

“But I have no doubt that Spence and I can be replaced and, who knows, we might be playing each other in the Ryman Premier League the year after.”