Time was right to leave Scarborough Athletic insists departing defender Jack Johnson

Johnson left Boro this week after three years at the club, playing under three managers and winning a promotion and the North Riding Senior Cup during his time with Athletic.

"I was offered a new deal by the club, but it really just felt like the right time to move on and seek out a new challenge, said defender Johnson.

"I feel like my best years are ahead of me, I have a lot of developing to do and I need to go and seek a fresh challenge in order to improve as a player.

"Who knows, maybe I could go away, improve and become a better player and come back to Scarborough Athletic in the future.

"I wouldn't rule it out as I have really enjoyed my time with the club, I have so many fond memories of my time here and the fans welcomed me and my family with open arms, which was nice."

Johnson, who joined Boro after spells with Doncaster Rovers and Halifax Town, admits he has offers on the table from numerous clubs, but isn't in a rush to make a move to another club.

"I feel this is an important move for me and my development, so while I have had offers from a few clubs, I won't be rushing into anything and signing," added Johnson.

"I made a similar decision to this when I decided to turn an offer down at Halifax to join Scarborough and it has been a great move for me, so I am keen to get it right again this time round.

"Who knows when we will be allowed to get back to training anyway, it could be months in my opinion, so there's no rush.

"I am keeping fit in the meantime so that when the time comes, I will be ready to go."

Johnson looks back upon his time with Boro fondly, pointing to three particular memories during his spell with the club.

"I have to put the promotion, winning the North Riding Cup at the Riverside Stadium and winning the Young Player of the Year award up there as my fondest memories," added Johnson.

"I have to say a big thank you to everyone at the club, from the board of directors, to the management and coaching staff and the players, and most importantly to the fans.

"Even when we went through bad patches, they came out in their numbers and got behind the players, which was great."