Ben Davies has described the decision to leave Shrewsbury as the “toughest of my career” – as the midfielder’s replacement arrived at the Prostar Stadium.

Davies’ three-year stint at the Prostar Stadium officially ended after he signed for Town’s League Two rivals Notts County.

That has prompted manager Paul Simpson to bring in 27-year-old Lewis Neal, who has had spells with Stoke, Preston and Carlisle, on a two-year-deal.

But Davies admitted to plenty of soul-searching over recent weeks before reaching a final decision.

“I have got married over the summer so with the wedding, the honeymoon and this on top, there has been a lot going on,” said Davies.

“For a number of reasons, I just feel this is the right time for me to move on. I have had the best three years of my career here so to move on was the toughest decision I’ve made.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with two fantastic managers in Paul Simpson and Gary Peters and you won’t meet a nicer chairman  than Roland Wycherley.

“The fans have been brilliant and to walk away from them is tough. It’s a massive regret that we haven’t got promoted because that’s what I wanted to achieve when I came to the club.

“But I feel it’s time for a  new challenge.”

Davies has refuted suggestions he has made a sidewards move by joining County, who have recently enjoyed a major cash injection following a summer takeover.

“I got the same sort of comments when I left Chester to join Shrewsbury and that was the best thing I have done football wise,” he added. “I have gone for football and personal reasons but I wouldn’t have joined any club which didn’t have ambition.

Meanwhile, Simpson is excited at the prospect at signing Neal, who made 73 appearances for Stoke and 82 for Preston.

“He is the type of player I want to bring in – he’s got good ability and is a good athlete,” said Simpson.

“He is an out-and-out left-sided player, which is something we haven’t really had, and a very determined character.”

By JAMES GARRISON