Michael Phillips has said an emotional goodbye to Maidstone United after accepting an offer from Cray Wanderers - admitting he didn't want to leave.

Crowd favourite Phillips reluctantly decided to quit the Gallagher Stadium in search of regular football having failed to force his way into the starting XI this season.

Midfielder Phillips, 31, said: "I still feel I have a lot to give but I'm not getting any younger and I just want to play.

"The longer I was sat on the bench the more frustrated I was starting to get and it's just not healthy.

"Cray came in, offered me a very good deal and said how important I'd be. They have a lot of ambition, like Maidstone, and it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I didn't want to leave and it's a sad day but I can't be sitting on the bench or not even in the squad.

"I'd like to thank the fans for being so wonderful towards me.

"The club's in my heart and I'm a Maidstone boy as well, so I'm gutted to be leaving."

Phillips, known to Stones fans as 'Iniesta', made up his mind to leave the Ryman League Premier Division leaders after he was left on the bench for the top-of-the-table match at Margate on Tuesday.

Boss Jay Saunders wanted him to stay but Phillips' mind was made up.

Phillips, who made 119 appearances for United, said: "It's difficult when you're not playing and you feel you should be.

"I can't complain because the boys are top of the league but I don't want to be on the bench wasting time.

"I've wasted enough time through injuries and I don't want to waste any more sitting on the bench at my age.

"I understand Jay not wanting to change a winning team but when you're playing Littlehampton in the FA Cup and still don't get in the side, it starts to get a bit frustrating.

"I came on against Lewes, scored a goal and showed what I can do but Tuesday night was the final straw when I didn't get on at Margate.

"Maybe if I'd got 10 minutes it might have changed how I was feeling.

"You want to play in the big games and when you can't get on you start to wonder if your time is up and it's going to be like that all season.

"I thought it was my type of game but it wasn't to be.

"Jay's the manager, he makes the decisions and there's no hard feelings.

"He's a great bloke and I'd like to thank him for some wonderful years."

Phillips is hopeful United will achieve promotion without him.

He added: "I've been getting loads of messages from the boys and a few fans saying they're gutted to see me go. It's been a funny old day.

"I'd like to think Maidstone can go and finish the job and win the league or if not then go up through the play-offs.

"They deserve promotion because it's a great club with great fans and a great bunch of lads."

Stones boss Saunders said: "I am bitterly disappointed that Michael has chosen to leave. He's been absolutely superb for me and the whole squad will miss him."