Fans’ favourite Lee Vaughan is set to leave AFC Telford United to play at a higher level, insisting: “It’s the hardest thing I’ll ever do.”

The 23-year-old defender first joined the Bucks on loan in January 2006 then signed permanently after Rob Smith and Larry Chambers took over.

He went on to become a key figure as Telford won promotion from the UniBond League then established themselves in the Blue Square North.

But Saturday’s trip to Vauxhall Motors looks set to be his last game for the club, with Blue Square Premier duo Kidderminster Harriers and Mansfield Town among potential suitors for his signature.

“We’ve been waiting and waiting for this club to take the next step and play in the Conference, which I want to play in,” said Vaughan. “I want to play at the highest level I can.

“I could have gone last season but I held on because I love the club and I think it’s going places, but there comes a time when you do have to move on.

“Leaving Telford will be the hardest thing I ever do in my life – it will be really emotional if I do leave.

“I’ve been here four years and it’s been the best four years of my football career.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, but good things have to come to an end unfortunately.”

Vaughan also added his backing to the management duo, for whom he has been a loyal on-field lieutenant.

Smith and Chambers are under pressure after failing to guide the side to the play-offs this season, but the right-back believes it would be a mistake to axe them.

“Rob and Larry have been massive for me,” he said. “This is the first season where they’ve had a bit of a bad time, but I urge the club to back them.

“If they let them go, then they are letting two of the best managers in the league by far go.

“There’s nothing I’d like to see more than this club in the top flight of non-League football, and I think Rob and Larry can get it there.”

By CHRIS HUDSON