FORMER Town man Chris Gahgan has told of his “horrible” decision to leave the club after signing for Evo-Stik First Division North side Colwyn Bay.

The winger, who has made more than 250 appearances over two spells at Cantilever Park, decided to take up an offer to join the Welsh side after helping the Yellows to promotion to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League for the first time in their history.

Gahgan has been an influential part of one of the most successful periods in Town’s history and says he will always remember his time with his hometown club fondly.

“I’m absolutely gutted to be leaving, this club has given me memories that will live with me forever,” said the 32-year-old.

“I spoke to Stuart Mellish and the chairman and they both wanted me to stay, but I had to look at the bigger picture.

“Next season will involve a lot of travelling that would have a big impact on me, plus the calibre of players the manager has brought in means we have to find space for them.

“That may have meant less game time for myself and at the age I am I just want to be playing, so I made the decision to move on.

“It was a horrible decision to make, I love this club and town so much and this is a massive wrench.”

Gahgan has scored 88 goals for Town overall but says one in particular, ironically against his new club, sticks out as his finest moment.

“When you look back, the equaliser in the FA Cup away at Colwyn Bay ended up meaning so much to the club,” he said.

“It allowed us to go on to the Exeter and Gateshead games that made us the money to stabilise us for the next four or five years.

“Obviously winning the league was an unbelievable feeling as well, winning all those games where you could tell we were getting closer and the celebrations when we got over the line will always stay with me.”

The popular midfielder also had a parting message for the club’s fans, who he said had become friends over the years.

“I’m a Warrington lad and this club is my club, I don’t really follow anyone else so I will come and support the team whenever I can,” he said.

“I genuinely believe this team can get back-to-back promotions and I really hope they do.

“Stuart and Lee Smith are great coaches but great football people as well, they deserve to be successful and I really hope that can be with Warrington Town.

“The fans have become like friends and family to me and I will miss them all.”