Record signing Lee Moore today made an emotional farewell to AFC Telford United, declaring: “I’d have stayed for the rest of my life.”

The 23-year-old, who cost £5,000 when his loan move from Tamworth was made permanent in December 2006, was released yesterday.

His 33 goals for the club makes him AFC Telford’s record goalscorer, one ahead of Kyle Perry.

And he insists he leaves with no ill feeling, and backs the club to reach the Football League in the next few years.

“I’m not going to say it was a shock to be released because I didn’t have the best of seasons,” admitted Moore.

“I know the club needs to push on after last season, so I expected it a bit. I wanted to stay but the ball wasn’t in my court.

“The fans have been brilliant, in fact everyone at the club has been brilliant to me – I could have stayed here for the rest of my life if needed.It’s a great club and I’m sure it will continue to go up the leagues.

“League football is inevitable in the end, I reckon, and I really hope they do it – even if it is without me.

“I’m a fan now and I’ll definitely follow them for the rest of my career. It’s always going to be my favourite club.”

The non-League rumour mill has already linked Moore with Nuneaton Town and Telford’s Blue Square North rivals Solihull Moors – and the player admits both clubs appeal.

“I have to look around and I’ll talk to anyone, but I don’t want to drop too many levels,” he said. “I want to play at the highest level I can and I still have confidence in my ability.

“Nuneaton is a good club on the rise and it’s my hometown club, so that tempts me.

“Solihull interests me as well because I wouldn’t be dropping down into a lower league, but I won’t be rushing and making any hasty decisions.”

By CHRIS HUDSON