CONAL PLATT and Jonathan Smith admit their pending moves to Cambridge United and York City have been made with heavy-hearts.

Platt, 23, was set to pen a two-year deal with Cambridge yesterday (Tuesday) while Smith, also 23, is set to complete his move to York City on a two-year contract on Thursday.

Platt admitted he did a lot of soul-searching before deciding to move on.

Platt said: "I was looking to stay on and the reprieve from relegation made my decision difficult, but no disrespect to Forest Green, Cambridge are a big club and the money and offer of a two-year deal was just too good to turn down."

Boss Dave Hockaday tried to convince the former Liverpool winger, who joined Rovers from Weymouth in 2008 to stay, but the long commute from his Preston home was a significant factor in his decision.

"The gaffer spoke to me on the phone for 45 minutes and tried to talk me into staying, " added Platt.

"I like him and he gave me a lot of confidence and I like to think I played well under him and before with Jim Harvey."

Platt leaves the New Lawn with many fond memories and is hoping for a warm reception when he returns with his new club next season.

"I had a great time at Forest Green and I would like to thank the fans, staff and director Mike Bullingham."

Meanwhile, Smith revealed the decision to leave Forest Green has been very tough.

Smith said: "To leave Forest Green is the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

"I am sad to leave, but York is close to my Preston home and with Conal leaving the thought of travelling two and a half hours on my own would have been hard."

Smith will remain forever grateful for the opportunity afforded to him at the New Lawn when Harvey brought him to the club three years ago from Morecambe.

"My move to York is down to Forest Green and Jim Harvey, added Smith. "I am grateful to Mike Bullingham and the fans who supported me through thick-and-thin."

Smith is certain his former club will flourish under Hockaday.

He said: "I grew to like Dave Hockaday and he taught me a lot and improved me as a player.

“With the players he is bringing in I expect Forest Green to have a much better season."