Richard Slater has described his decision to move Chigwell Athletic out of the MGBSFL and into the Maccabi Masters League as "a painful one".

One of the oldest teams in the league, Chigwell finished the 2013/14 Division One season in sixth position.

"Moving into Masters football after 13 successful seasons was a tough decision for me to make.

"Even with the emergence of some of our brilliant youngsters – who will be greatly missed – it was not enough to keep us in the league."

Slater reflected on a successful run that has seen Chigs win the Division Five, Three and Two titles, as well as runners-up in the Premier Division and Division One. The club also enjoyed some strong cup runs – reaching the semi-finals of both the Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein.

"We would need another five top-class youngsters to compete in what will be a very tough first division next season and for me, that’s would’ve been unfair on the older boys that have been with me since 2001.

"Of course, we could have stayed in Division One, but again another mid-table finish looked on the cards and the idea of playing with old friends and other former Chigwell players is much more appealing.

"We're moving across to Masters for enjoyment and more of a laid-back approach now that all of us are married and the majority have children, but make no mistake - I want to win the league."