Bartlett sad to leave Salisbury

Bartlett made his 400th appearance against Barrow in January

Scott Bartlett admits leaving Salisbury City was one of the most difficult decisions he has ever had to make.

The utility player, 29, has departed the Wiltshire side after nine years, citing work commitments as the reason.

Bartlett played a major part in the Whites' recent success which saw them win promotion to the top level of non-league football.

"It's a huge decision. I feel I've made the wrong decision for the right reason but I'll stand by that," he said.

Bartlett recently made his 400th appearance for Salisbury in the away game at Barrow and was made captain for the day.

Saturday's 3-0 victory at Crawley was the first match since his departure.

"It was a bit weird looking out for their result but they've done ever so well," he told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

Having signed in 2000, Bartlett was at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium when the club nearly went bust in 2002 and was then a regular in the side as they climbed the non-league pyramid.

"You look back and think we were playing away at Rothwell and places like that. If I didn't believe they (the club's board) could make that climb I probably wouldn't have stayed," he reminisced.

He also played in the FA Cup ties with Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest as the club put themselves on the map and now hopes to sign for a club closer to his Gloucestershire home.