IT is little more than a month since Accrington Stanley were beaten by Stevenage in a League Two play-off grudge match, and Phil Edwards has admitted it was a difficult decision to cross that bitter divide after agreeing to join the Hertfordshire side.

Edwards was offered a new two-year deal to stay with Stanley, who he joined from Wigan in 2006, but will instead sign for Stevenage on a Bosman free transfer.

The chance to play in League One was the major factor, with Stevenage winning the play-offs after beating Stanley in the semis amid major antipathy.

“It was a very tough decision,” said the 25-year-old centre back, who had started 183 of Stanley’s last 185 matches and was the Reds’ joint top scorer with 13 goals last season.

“The fact that it was the team who knocked us out of the play-offs made it a more difficult decision.

“It was last week when Stevenage came in. The gaffer rung me and I told him I had an offer, and I’ve been in touch with Jimmy (Bell) a lot.

"They were trying to talk me out of it. But any player wants to play at the highest level they possibly can.

“I was at the club for six years and they gave me my chance to play league football, so they will always have a big place in my heart.

“The gaffer and Jimmy have brought me on as a player, and the fans have been good to me.

“But the club have had better players than me before, so they will move on.

“I hope they do well.”