OAKLEY Hanger admitted he has “grown as a player and a person”during his time as part of the Dorchester Town squad, after announcing his decision to leave the Avenue this summer.

The wing-back, who helped the Magpies to a 13th place finish in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division last season, announced via social media that he is set to head across the pond to link up with the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals – a university team in based in America.

And the youngster expressed his delight in finalising the next chapter in his career via Twitter.

He posted: “After a long process it’s official. I’m heading out to the states August 1 to join @SVSUsoccer, looking forward to the next four years.”

In a second tweet, Hanger added: “Thanks to everyone involved at @DorchTownFC for the last three years, grown as a player and a person.”

Cardinals’ coach, Andy Wagstaff, had already welcomed Hanger to his roster for next season. He posted: “@SVSUsoccer welcomes Oakley Hanger, a strong and athletic midfielder from Dorchester Town, England, to our 2016 squad.”