Hot-shot follows Hawkes to Clarets

Luke Callander quit Heybridge Swifts and the Ryman North on Monday to follow his former boss Mark Hawkes to Conference South Chelmsford City.

The prolific goalscorer, pictured, said his decision to leave Scraley Road was 'the most difficult he has had to make'. Callander, 28, is currently the second-highest goalscorer in Ryman North with 19 goals and has hit the net nearly 100 times in his three-year spell with Swifts. The former Stanway Rovers striker elected to link up again with Hawkes and assistant manager Steve Smith, who left Heybridge for Melbourne Park last Thursday.

In an emotional statement announcing his switch, Callander said: "It’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to depart Heybridge and sign for Chelmsford. My reason is purely a footballing one, as this could well be the last chance to test myself at a higher level.

"I’ve loved my time at the Swifts and thank the brilliant fans and members of the club that have shown so much dedication and support throughout my time at the club. I’ve always remained loyal to the club and have found this the most difficult decision I have had to make. I'm proud to have played for the club and hope to be welcomed back one day."

Callander’s final goal for Swifts was at Scraley Road in the 3-1 victory over Aveley on Saturday 23 November. In case his move to the Clarets doesn't work out, he remains registered to play for Swifts and the club say he will be welcomed back with open arms. Director of Football and caretaker manager Wayne Bond paid tribute to the striker who won last season's Ryman North Golden Boot with 36 goals in all competitions.

He said: "Luke’s loyalty to Heybridge Swifts over the years has been second to none and we wish him all the success at his new side. We will all be sad to see him leave but he leaves us with great memories. The opportunity to play Conference South Football is something Luke has to go and do and he goes with our blessing. At the age of 28 he would have regretted it if he hadn't gone and given it a go."

He added: "Luke Callander can be summed up as a person in the gesture he made to supporter Chris Daines on Saturday after his 13 Mile Walk in making a very generous donation. This gesture will remain in the club's and supporters' minds for a very long time."