ANDOVER Town captain Lewis Benson has thanked fans for their support after agreeing a move to newly-promoted Southern League side Salisbury.

The talented midfielder confirmed this week that he has agreed to play at the Ray Mac next season after holding talks with Whites’ boss Steve Claridge at the end of this campaign.

Benson will be reunited with exTown star Claudio Herbert, who has recently agreed to stay at the club next season, as they prepare for life in the Southern League Division One South and West.

But Benson, whose 18 goals this season helped Town to their best ever league finish, says he is ‘genuinely saddened’ to be leaving the Portway.

He told the Advertiser: “I would like to give a huge thank you to all involved at Andover Town Football Club.

“In particular, I would like to thank Neil Benson, Stuart Barlow and John Ward for the help they have given me during my threeseasons at the club.

“I would also like to give a special thank you to all of the fans at Andover and a special mention to my teammates from last season who made the decision to move an even harder one.

“As well as being a fantastic group of players our team-spirit was excellent and I am genuinely saddened to be leaving.”

Explaining his reasoning for the move he added: “Despite the clear ambitions of the club to push for promotion next year I felt the timing was right for me to progress and Salisbury presented an opportunity too good to miss out on.

“I wish the club all the success for the future and genuinely hope they gain the promotion they deserve next season.”

Manager Neil Benson wished his star man good luck ahead of their new campaign.

He said: “The club gave Lewis full permission to speak to several clubs up the football pyramid at the end of the season.

“He has been a loyal servant to the club since it was formed and an outstanding player for us on and off the pitch. He will be very difficult to replace.

“I wish him all the very best for next season.”

The club have confirmed that Lewis Benson will still be involved with Andover Town next season in his role at the Sparsholt Academy.