Sutton United midfielder Francis Quarm says leaving Hampton & Richmond Borough was one of the hardest decisions he had to make, but believes it was for the best to progress his career.

The 26-year-old switched to Gander Green Lane in January, following budget cuts at the Beveree, and is in the running to win promotion from the Ryman League Premier Division via the play-offs with United.

Quarm, who twice suffered Blue Square South play-off final heartache with the Beavers, could lock horns with his former club next season should that happen having impressed in boss Paul Doswell’s midfield since making the switch.

And he believes Sutton have the potential to go further than Hampton in the long run.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Hampton. Not just from a football point of view, but also because of the friends I made there,” he said.

“We used to go on holiday together and everything so it was really hard to step away from that.

“But I had to be selfish. I took a step down in terms of the league, but I think there is potential at Sutton not to just get in the Blue Square South. I think they can go further and that is my aim.

“I could have gone to another Blue Square South club, but Sutton are ambitious and have got a good manager so everything is possible.”

Sutton seem destined to face rivals Kingstonian at some stage in the play-offs and Brixton-based Quarm has no problems facing a team he has good memories of playing against while at Station Road.

“I actually scored for Hampton against Ks during pre-season so hopefully I’ll be able to do it again should we face them,” he added.

“They will be a good team to play and we will have to play well, but no-one is unbeatable in this league.”