‘It was the hardest decision I’ve made in football’ - Saunders on leaving Haywards Heath Town

The attacking midfielder joined Horsham after five successful years at the Hanbury Stadium.

Saunders joined Heath back in November 2015 and has made a total of a total of 150 appearances, 82 goals and 64 assists.

SEE ALSO Saunders leaves Haywards Heath Town to join Horsham | Burgess Hill Town chairman: 'It's time to stand up for your club' | Haywards Heath Town secretary adds to Sussex Football 5K for the NHS Challenge fundOn leaving Heath, Saunders said: “It was hardest decision I’ve made in football to be honest I’ve been at Heath five years I’ve got to know everyone so well not jus the players, the bar staff, committee, the people that come an watch an obviously my dad is the gaffer.

“I’ve made friends for life there, so to make the decision took some time but after speaking with Dom [Di Paola] a couple of times I knew this was the right time.”

Saunders has enjoyed cup wins and promotion at Heath. He said: “The two things that stick out for me most are winning the county league but having points deducted so having to win it again.

“That was hard work and finishing in the play offs in the Bostik last season, two incredible achievements.”

Saunders added: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved at Heath and a special mention to Mark Russ who’s helped me a lot on and off the pitch, it’s been an amazing journey.”

And Saunders’ dad Shaun did not try to stop Calllum leaving. Callum said: “My dad has always said to me he’d never stand in my way.

“He has managed me on and off since I was six-years-old, if I wanted to move on he‘d never make me feel guilty as he’d always advised me if he thought it was a good move for me. He was obviously disappointed to lose me but he understands my reasons an he knows it is a good move for me.”

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