New Leiston signing Tom Bullard wants to start enjoying his football again after leaving Bury Town

New Leiston signing Tom Bullard wants to start enjoying his football again, after making the “hardest decision” of his life in leaving Bury Town.

The 27-year-old, a stalwart at the heart of the Blues’ defence for a decade, has signed a two-year deal with Town’s Ryman League Premier Division rivals.

Bullard made his debut for the Ram Meadow club at just 17 and was captain before he turned 20.

However, despite his love for the club, the defender believes now is the right time to move on, having endured a tough final season, which saw Bury battle some financial difficulties.

“It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make and it was extremely difficult telling the chairman, Russell Ward, who is also a really good friend,” said Bullard.

“It’s a massive decision, but I really feel I have made the right one and I am ready for a new challenge.

“Now is the time to push on and my mind was made up before (ex-manager) Richard Wilkins went.

“With what had been going on off the field, I was not enjoying my football and with a young daughter, I did not want to be going home miserable. I wanted to get that buzz back.”

“I would like to say a massive thank-you to the Bury fans though, who have been superb, even through the tough times, and the likes of Richard Wilkins, Trevor Collins Richard Skelly and Ben Chenery who have helped me greatly in my development.”

Bullard will now hope to be part of a promotion push with Steve Ball’s ambitious team, the coastal side also confirming Craig Parker has re-signed at Victory Road.

Bullard added: “I want to play higher and that was my main question to them (Leiston), did they have ambitions to play in Conference South?

“They said they did and I am looking forward to playing at Leiston under Steve Ball.

“Other teams came in for me as well but I really liked what Steve (Ball), David Bugg (director of football) and Andy Crisp (chairman) had to say.”