RYAN Sammons says leaving East Thurrock United after 10 years was not difficult after widespread changes to the squad.

The 30-year-old was one of a host of players to leave Rookery Hill in the past week, with manager John Coventry determined to bring in new players after a poor end to the National League South season.

And Sammons said while he has enjoyed his time at the club and thanked the management team, leaving was not difficult.

“Covo explained in a changing room speech at the end of the season that we were all free agents and we could talk to other clubs,” he said. “So after 10 years this was the way my time at the club came to an end. He said he felt he needed to make big changes to the side otherwise it could be a difficult season next time.

“Sadly, leaving the club hasn’t been hard. When it is made clear that you are no longer wanted by the club then leaving is not really difficult. I wouldn’t say my time at the club has ended how I would have liked, especially with six defeats and I am very sad I did not get to say goodbye to everyone at the club but that’s football and everything and every one moves on.

“I have made more than 400 appearances for the club which means I have played a lot of football over the years and that’s all I wanted to do.

“I’m not a player that plays for the money. I just want to play football each week. At the end of every season Covo said he wanted to keep me and I was happy to stay.

“But I am not retiring like some people seem to think. I have not spoken to any clubs yet but I’m hoping to continue playing at the highest level I can. I feel I have still much to offer.”

Sammons, who lives in Rainham, joined the club in 2008 from Essex Olympian League side Kelvedon Hatch following a stint in the USA where he studied at university.

And he says he enjoyed a number of highs and lows at Rookery Hill.

“I have been lucky to have a number of highs in my time at the club,” he said. “Winning promotion from the (former) Ryman North, Ryman Premier League and playing in the Essex Senior Cup final were great but I think the biggest high would have to be the game against Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup first round (in 2011). It was the first time the club had reached that stage and it was just a really good day to be involved in.

“There were low points too. Breaking my collar bone and not being able to play for four months was bad but, from a club point of view, it was our performances at the end of last season. To end a season with six defeats and the performances being as poor as they were is just something I had not experienced in my time there.

“Covo, Jay Devereux and Joe Keith have had a big influence on my career as they gave me the opportunity to play for East Thurrock and this coincided with the most successful period in the club’s history,” he said.

“I thank them all for their help and support. There are many who have been involved during my 10 years, but especially Chris, Marge, Mick, Bruce and my long serving sponsor Albie for their support. I wish East Thurrock continued success in the future.”