THE HARDEST decision of his career so far – that was the way Neville Roach summed up his feelings after deciding to quit as manager of Combined Counties side Hartley Wintney and take over at Thatcham Town, who play in Southern League South and West.

It is move up the football pyramid for the former Basingstoke Town striker who has had two successfully years at Hartley and last season guided the team to third in Combined Counties Division One as well as enjoying the best ever FA Cup run in the club’s history.

Roach said: “It was a really tough decision as I have had two fantastic years at the club and I thank them for giving me the chance. The Thatcham job is a great opportunity and you just never know when something like that will come along again.

“I will always have a soft spot for the club as you never forget where we start and I hope they do well next season. I have learnt a lot at Hartley and we have had some highs and lows, but I will not forget the cup run.”

Scott Tarr will also be joining Roach at Thatcham, but fellow first team coach Mick Woolen is set to stay at the club.

Hartley chairman Luke Mullen, who has been busy looking for a replacement, said: “It was a bit of a bolt out of the blue, but we wish them well at Thatcham as we would never hold anyone back.”