Liam Blakeman faced tough decision to leave Telford

Blakeman was voted fans player of the season

Former AFC Telford United midfielder Liam Blakeman said the chance to play in the Blue Square Bet Premier was the only reason he left the New Bucks Head.

Blakeman, 27, joined Southport at the end of the season after they gained promotion from the Blue Square North.

"I'm at an age when I may not get the opportunity to play in the Conference again," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"It was too good a chance to miss. I've enjoyed the last two years. It was a difficult decision for me to leave."

The Bucks signed Blakeman from Southport in 2008 under the management of Rob Smith and he has now returned to Haig Avenue after being re-signed by Liam Watson.

But Telford's supporters player of the season was quick to thank the fans and the club for backing him.

"I kept changing my mind in the weeks before it. To get the fans award was amazing, I really appreciated it. Hopefully the club can go forward," he said.