Joe Pigott says he's gutted to leave Maidstone but had to think of his career after signing for AFC Wimbledon.

Pigott has joined the League 1 club for an undisclosed fee after they met the striker's release clause.

The 24-year-old, United's top scorer with 14 goals in league and cup, made his final appearance for his hometown club in their FA Trophy win over Heybridge on Saturday.

He said: "My first feelings are that I'm pretty gutted I'm leaving but obviously I've got to further my career and try and play at the highest level I can.

"I said to the boys before the game 'you boys are like my family' and it was quite an emotional moment actually.

"It's my hometown club. It would have to have been a good offer for me to leave which obviously I've got."

Pigott held talks with AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley on Friday.

The former Charlton man had already ruled out leaving for a League 2 club in the transfer window but the chance to step back up to League 1 with the Dons was too good to resist.

Pigott said: "It's still fairly local but it's a great club and it's definitely going places with the new stadium and stuff.

"I just want to go and improve and hopefully score more goals.

"I had a chat with the manager and he came across really well.

"I've played League 1 before and I was more than comfortable so I'm aiming to do well there and help the team as much as I can, like I've done here.

"It's exciting times for myself but exciting times for Maidstone still as well."

Pigott joined Maidstone on loan from Cambridge last January after an unhappy spell at the Abbey Stadium.

He scored six goals to help United stay in the National League and rejected Football League moves to sign a one-year deal last summer.

The striker loved his time at the Gallagher Stadium and as he said goodbye to supporters at the weekend, it's clear how much he'll be missed.

He said: "This is a great club and everyone in the dressing room, the kitman and Smudge the physio, I'm so close to all of them.

"I haven't got a bad word to say about anyone at the club.

"It's been brilliant for me and the fans have been excellent to me as well.

"They've been amazing away and at home, even though at home our form hasn't been as good sometimes, but they've still been brilliant to me and all the other lads as well."