Charlie Clough signed off his Sutton United career with two goals in five minutes, and a good luck message for his old team-mates.

The 24-year-old centre back joined Forest Green Rovers of the Vanarama Conference Premier on Monday after the club’s scouts had him watched.

Clough joined United in September 2013, making 74 appearances and wearing the captain’s armband into last season’s play-off semi-finals.

While this season has not hit the same heights – a 3-2 defeat at Weston Super Mare on Sunday left United 16th in the table – Clough insists he is not jumping from a sinking ship.

He said: “United have been so unlucky this season with referee decisions and injuries.

“But they have some big characters in that dressing room, who I am 100 per cent certain will push United on.

“Relegation is not an issue, no way, and although it’s been a tough season, this is not me jumping ship.”

He added: “I have had a great time at United, I have some excellent memories and I will miss a lot of the guys, and the staff there.

“It was an honour to be made captain, and I wore that armband with huge pride.

“Paul [Doswell] has been great to me, and he told me that Rovers were interested and we decided it was a good move, there was no way he would stand in my way.”

Forest Green Rovers are seventh in the table, pushing for a play-off place and a shot at the Football League, and it is that carrot that has Clough chomping at the bit to get going.

“Rovers is a really good club with excellent facilities and some truly great players,” Clough said.

“For me this is a good move, at 24 I still feel I have something to offer and this is my shot at a higher level of football.

“If I can help Rovers push on, then maybe there’s a crack at the Football League, and that is the ultimate goal.

“This is my big shot, and it is probably my last. I intend to take it, and fingers crossed it works out.”