OLLIE Berquez has admitted agonising over his decision to leave Maldon and Tiptree.

The experienced midfielder has joined AFC Sudbury and netted on his debut, in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Trophy success at Whitstable Town.

Berquez had been at Park Drive for four years and is sure the good times will return to the club, under new manager Alan Kimble.

But he admitted geography was a major factor in his decision to move on, with Sudbury being just six miles from his Castle Hedingham home.

“It was never my intention to leave and it was a very tough decision,” he said.

“I know I’m leaving a very good club but, equally, I feel I’m joining another very good one in Sudbury.

“There aren’t many that I’d have left Maldon for.

“Sudbury are another very ambitious side and a big factor was that it’s so much closer to my home.

“Time is previous, with my own business and a young family, and it’ll nice to be at home more.

“That’s very important to me.

“It’s also a new challenge for me at a club that, I believe, will be in the promotion mix this season.”

Berquez started his career as a youngster at Ipswich Town and played for the likes of Chelmsford, Dagenham & Redbridge, Canvey Island, Stevenage Borough, Woking and Dartford, before joining the Jammers.

“I had four great years at Maldon,” said the 34-year-old.

“I’ve always given my all for the club and we’ve had some good times together.

“We went so close to winning promotion to the Ryman Premier (only to lose out in a play-off final penalty shoot-out) and I’ve got so much respect for (chairman) Ed Garty.

“It’s been a tough season there but I’ve got no doubts whatsoever that the new management team will put things right.

“They’ll turn things round and although it may not happen overnight, the club will definitely start moving forward again.

“The players are a good bunch of lads and I’m sure they’ll turn the corner soon.”