POPULAR defender Paul West has left Common Road and made a winning debut for Redditch United last Saturday.

The former club skipper and longest serving player decided on a move last Wednesday after becoming frustrated at a lack of first team action with Evesham.

"I had a great time at the club - the board have been fantastic - but I felt the time was right to move on," West admitted.

"I had no problem with what Phil (Mullen) is trying to do at the club but I always seemed to be the one left out. He made it clear that he didn't want me to leave but he was looking at other options and I really just wanted to play."

Bromsgrove were also chasing the 30-year-old but West opted for his home town club.

"It's nice to stay playing at the same level and I knew manager Nicky Cross from my time at Port Vale," said West.

It won't be long, though, before West is back at Common Road. Redditch are due to visit for a Western Division game on Tuesday, September 25.

Mullen has moved swiftly to plug the gap at the back by signing ex-Worcester man Matt Gardiner and Steve Pope from Kidderminster Harriers.

"There is now competition for places all over the pitch which is healthy but gives me something of a selection headache," the Evesham chief admitted.