DAVE Bryant admits leaving East Thurrock United was not easy after he hung up his football boots this week.

The club announced the attacker, 33, would be retiring on Monday evening after three-and-a-half successful years at Rookery Hill, and Bryant says the decision was not one he took lightly.

Having become a father for the fourth child over the summer, Bryant revealed he probably should have called it quits then, although there were other reasons behind it.

“I’m old,” laughed Bryant, who had scored once this season. “I had another child in the summer and wanted to give it another go, but it’s not easy when you have a family.

“I probably should have left in the summer but, truth be told, I didn’t want to leave. It is my sort of football club.

“I thought about it for a few weeks and I spoke to Covo about it all. I agreed to stay for the FA Cup game in case of injuries or suspensions and now that’s done.”

Bryant is a window-fitter by trade. Up at 5.30am every morning, he said the physical nature of his work had taken its toll on his body, and he was looking forward to enjoying other things now his playing days were behind him.

“When I signed for them I hadn’t played for about three or four months so I was a bit rusty. I joined as (ex-captain) Reiss (Gilbey) asked me to and I have really enjoyed it so it was a good choice.

“I am lucky as my family were really understanding and you need that when you have a full-time job and spend your evenings and weekends playing football. Even little things like family holidays are hard to come by.

“My job means early mornings and football can sometimes conflict with that. We didn’t get back from Yaxley until about 11pm recently so getting up the next morning wasn’t easy.”

The former Braintree Town, Boreham Wood and Thurrock man said last season’s FA Cup exploits rank among his best memories of his non-league days, as Rocks travelled to League Two’s Hartlepool United in the first round.

“It was a great day,” he said. “It is always a good day out and it was the first time I had played in the first round of the competition and I won’t forget it.

“Getting to the play-off finals in my first season was good as well, although we lost to Lowestoft.

“But East Thurrock have always been good to me and my family and I am sure they will go on and push for play-offs this year.”