Highly-rated Ronnie Dolan has explained why he left Hythe Town to join their league rivals Hastings United.

The midfielder signed for Hastings on Friday, ending a Reachfields career which began in 2010.

Dolan had a trial with Skrill Premier side Welling United in the summer and the 21-year-old admitted he’d been eyeing a move away from Hythe for a while.

He said: "I’m pretty sad to move on but I felt like I needed a fresh start, from early in the season.

"It was more to do with the style of football and the way I wanted to play. There were a few times this season when I was left out of the team."

Hastings, relegated from the Ryman League Premier Division last season, have been tipped by many to bounce straight back.

Dolan said: "Their league position says it all. They’re up at the top end of the league, looking to get automatic promotion, which is where I want to be going.

"I want to be playing week in, week out, whether that’s at Hastings or elsewhere."

Hythe manager Scott Porter said: "It’s a blow, but Ronnie’s gone for football reasons. He wants a fresh start and he nearly went to Welling in the summer so it was only a matter of time (before he left).

"He’s been a good servant to the club and I’ve got a lot of respect for him. We had some good times together and he goes with my best wishes."

Hythe are up to ninth in Division 1 South after they beat Three Bridges 3-1 at Reachfields on Tuesday night.

Tony Garrod put the visitors ahead but goals from Taser Hassan, Shaun Welford and Kieran Byrne ensured Porter's side took maximum points.