TERRY HEWITT bid a heartfelt farewell to Sauchie as he confirmed his move to Premier Division rivals Bo'ness United.

The defender has become a mainstay at Beechwood Park since making the switch from Cumbernauld United in 2017 and was named as the Alloa Advertiser's Player of the Year in his maiden season.

He featured regularly for Iain Diack last term as the club made the switch to senior football, playing his part in Sauchie's promotion campaign.

But, the 30-year-old has decided to call time on his stay in the Wee County and will move on when his contract finishes at the end of this month.

Speaking to Advertiser Sport, Hewitt said he felt it was time for a new challenge but wanted to thank everyone at the club for their support, singling out his former boss Fraser Duncan.

He said: "I am really, really thankful to Fraser Duncan for taking me up and it's such a great club.

"I am from the west, but everyone in football knows Sauchie. So when they came calling I had to take up the opportunity.

"There are so many people in the background who do so much work and so much for you who don't get the credit they deserve.

"From George to Rab and Noel, they've all been good to us. Even Fraser's mum and dad.

"Fraser took me to the east and I had never played there. It just felt right at the time and I've never looked back.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Sauchie and made so many really good friends."

Hewitt continued: "Fraser is a legend of Sauchie and was a massive part of the move. I was gutted when he left.

"Iain did well bringing the boys in and building a team.

"Adrian Hanson was also a really good help. Sometimes you can't dwell on the past and just want to look forward.

"Sauchie are a proper family club. There's been no fall-out or anything. It was just time to move on and sometimes that happens."

Hewitt will link up with former Sauchie team-mates Brian Morgan, Iain Syme and Craig Comrie at Newton Park.

And the defender believes he is joining a club with ambitions of securing the Premier Division title.

He said: "Sauchie are happy to stay in the league whereas Bo'ness want to win it. That's the challenge I wanted.

"I spoke to manager Max Christie and he kept phoning me and showing an interest and it was good to feel wanted.

"Sauchie and myself are just going in different directions.

"The standard of the league will be really good and there's no absolute standouts.

"Sauchie can beat anyone on their day and so can Bo'ness. That will be a game I'll look out for.

"I know I'll go back and get a lot of abuse, but it will all be in good spirits."