DEPARTED Cinderford Town captain Andy Lewis has thanked the club’s fans for their support following his move to bitter rivals Evesham United.

Lewis’ move was announced on Friday and the defender went straight into Evesham’s starting line-up as they defeated visitors Paulton Rovers 1-0.

The transfer is the second of a Town captain this season, following local lad Josh Nelmes’ move to Mangotsfield United.

But manager Paul Michael has moved quickly to re-sign former Evesham man and Cinderford title-winner Nick Rhodes to fill the void.

“[I] just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the last few months up at the Causeway,” Lewis wrote on the club’s fan forum.

“I have nothing but respect for everyone involved from Stu all the way down.

“It was a genuinely hard decision but ultimately the chance to play for a team at the top end of the division was too much to turn down along with other benefits.”

He added that being captain of the side was ’brilliant’ and believes Michael has put together a side that has not been ’too far away’.

In a club statement announcing the move, Michael said Lewis received an offer he ’couldn’t refuse’ nor could the club compete with.

“I would like to personally thank Andy Lewis for his contribution to our season so far and for his contribution to the development of our group,” he said.

“His attitude on and off the pitch has been exemplary he has set standards for the young players to follow if they want to be successful in the game, hence his appointment as captain.

“Of course we wanted to keep Andy, but the offer made to him was one that, understandably, he felt impossible to refuse, and he goes with our best wishes.”

Rhodes’ return is his third stint at the club, having left in the summer of 2016 before joining Michael’s men midway through their Southern League Premier Division campaign.

"I’m delighted that we have managed to sign Nick from Evesham,” Michael added.

“He is an outstanding player who reads the game exceptionally well, he organises players around him; Nick is a defender first and foremost but he is also excellent on the ball.

“More than all that Nick is the right character to fit in with our group, he has a passion for the club and shares our long term goals.

“I can’t wait to start working with him and see him back out on the Causeway in black and white stripes."