Jamie Heapy, Didcot Town’s longest-serving player, says the decision to leave the club he has been with for 16 years was one of the toughest decisions of his life.

The 31-year-old, who made more than 720 appearance for the Railwaymen and played in every position, has opted to leave Loop Meadow for Oxfordshire rivals Oxford City in the Evo-stik Southern League Premier Dvision.

Citing his desire to play at the highest level he can, Heapy, who lifted the FA Vase with Didcot in 2005, revealed he had sleepless nights mullingthings over.

“It was very tough, and I thought long and hard about it, but after the start we had and the changes that have come about recently, I had a lot to consider,” he said.

“It’s a completely fresh challenge, and hopefully it will work out well.”

As well as the Vase triumph, Heapy led the side to the Hellenic League Premier Division title in 2006, along with three Hellenic League Cups and two Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy triumphs.

He was also captain when Didcot won promotion to the Southern League Premier Division as play-off winners in 2009, before they were relegated to Division 1 South & West last season.

Heapy said it was the desire to play in the Premier Division, plus the opportunity to work under City boss Mike Ford and former Didcot manager Stuart Peace that ultimately swayed his decision.

He added: “It’s got nothing to do with Didcot’s new manager, Dave Mudge, who has impressed me in his short time at the club.

“It is just now feels the time is right to test myself at the highest level possible.

“I am not getting any younger, and I may not have too many more years playing the game.”

Didcot chairman John Bailey commented: “We did not want to lose him.

“Jamie will go down as one of the most successful and loyal players the club have ever had.

“But at the same time, you have to respect his desire to test himself at a higher standard, so he goes with our blessing.”

Heapy added: “Sixteen years at one club is a long time, and Didcot Town will always be a very special place for me.”