ALEX Teniola says Heybridge Swifts will always be a 'massive part' of him after he quit the club to join Chelmsford City.

The prolific striker, who was the Isthmian League division north's top scorer with 20 goals last season, has left Scraley Road and signed for the National League South club.

Teniola played a big part in Swifts challenging for the play-offs this season, which was ended prematurely by the coronavirus pandemic.

And speaking to the Chelmsford City website, Teniola paid tribute to his former club.

He said: "I knew I had a good season last year and I have scored goals wherever I’ve been playing in the past but I was very surprised when Robbie called me, I didn’t expect it at all.

"Other clubs contacted me as soon as the season was “void” regarding my plans for next year but with the global pandemic going on my main priority was to just stay fit and healthy whilst spending time with my family.

"However, I couldn’t turn down a club like Chelmsford who are very well established in the National League with a fantastic fan base.

"I am delighted to be on board for the 2020/21 season and I know it sounds cliché but I genuinely can’t wait to get going.

"I would like to just say a massive thank you to my old Heybridge management team, Karl, Ryan, Nevs and Gary as without those four people I wouldn’t have had the season I did.

"They knew how to get the best out of me and gave me the freedom to go and be myself.

"Karl Duguid (former Heybridge manager) built a great team last year and the chemistry was the best I’ve witnessed in all my years of playing, I’ve certainly made some friends for life.

"I will forever be grateful and moving forward Heybridge will always be a massive part of me and have built some great relationships with both the fans and staff."

Teniola, who has also played for Tonbridge, Concord, Aveley and Brentwood amongst other clubs, will be looking to continue his prolific scoring form for new club Chelmsford when the 2020-21 season gets underway - whenever that may be.

Chelmsford manager Robbie Simpson told the club's website: “I am really excited to sign Alex.

"He is a consistent goalscorer in the prime of his career and I am really glad to give him the opportunity at the National League South level.”