Striker Chris McPhee has revealed the heartache behind his decision to leave Ebbsfleet.

The 25-year-old has quit the FA Trophy winners this week to move to Devon to start a new life with his fiancee Susie.

He was offered the choice of a one or two-year deal by the Fleet but his heart was set on a move away - a possibility first revealed in the Gravesend Messenger last month.

McPhee said: “I won’t be able to sign for a further year like I wanted to as I’m living in Devon and the commute is not possible.

“I’ve had a lot of contact from clubs in and around London. League clubs were interested in signing me but I had to decline them as well.”

He added: “I’m very disappointed as I would have loved to have stayed. I had a long conversation with my family and they have to come first.”

Fleet’s Wembley hero is hoping to find a new club but revealed he is willing to stop playing if the right offer doesn’t come along.

McPhee, who scored the match-winner in the FA Trophy final against Torquay last month, added: “My agent has already started to circulate my details to see if any clubs are interested.

“I am waiting to see if they come back and I’m hoping to have something sorted next week.

“If not then I’ve got other avenues with coaching or the possibility of part-time football.”

McPhee admitted that leaving the Fleet was one of the hardest decisions he’s ever had to make.

He said: “I just wish Ebbsfleet were 20 minutes up the road. I would have signed a long time ago. It is the right club in the wrong area of the country.

“I’m upset about having to leave because I had a successful season there. I enjoyed my time at the club and the fans have been brilliant.

“Ebbsfleet will have a special place in my heart. I wish them well.”

Read more from Chris McPhee in this week's Gravesend Messenger