MAGPIES’ wing back Oakley Hanger says his move across the pond to Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is a dream come true after he announced his departure from the Avenue on Monday.

Hanger, who was studying journalism at Southampton Solent University, is moving to Michigan this August for four years on a scholarship to study business management.

He follows former Yeovil Town team-mate and Weymouth-born Curtis Hansford to America, something he has been thinking about since his teens.

Hanger told Echosport: “As a 14-year-old lad playing Sunday League and with Yeovil, it’s always been a dream.

“For it to come around now, it’s great.

“I’m not worried about it, it’s something that I have to take in my stride.

“I can’t not enjoy it.”

Hanger’s decision to move to Michigan was not just a dream but a necessity after struggling to combine his football at Dorchester and his university work in Southampton.

He explained: “When I was in Southampton, I was travelling back to Dorchester to play three times a week and I felt my grades were compromised and so was my football.

“I didn’t have a great season and I didn’t feel I could’ve done a second season at university and play for Dorchester.

“This opportunity will mean I’m on campus whilst still playing at a high standard.

“It should mean my grades won’t take that hit, which is important to me.

“I didn’t want to keep playing football and have nothing to back it up.”

To get into Saginaw Valley, Hanger had to send footage of his time with the Magpies to an agent, who in turn sent it to coaches all over the USA.

He had offers from NCAA Division One universities, South Carolina and Syracuse, but instead chose SVSU because of their coach.

“Andy Wagstaff is an English coach and that was a big part of my decision.

“He runs a team outside of the university called Michigan Stars and they can attract more than 11,000 people to their games in the summer league.”

Hanger hopes to play for the Stars next summer as he looks to get used to the American lifestyle, something very different from his usual surroundings of the Jurassic Coast.

He added: “I will definitely miss the team. It has been an incredible three years and this last year has been absolutely amazing.

“Although at the end of the season, we died off, there has always been a great atmosphere in and around the club.

“It is sad, but I can’t stay here for the rest of my life.

“I need to get a career behind me and this seemed like the best way to do it.”

It has been a busy summer behind the scenes for the Magpies boss Mark Jermyn, as he continues to build his side for next season.

But Hanger was happy that the manager put no pressure on him to make a quick decision.

Speaking about his manager, Hanger said: “Towards the back end of last season I was speaking to Jem (Mark Jermyn, manager) and he wanted me to stay on.

“I had to break the news to him that this was in the pipeline.

“He said that if it didn’t work out there is a place here (The Avenue) for you, but he wanted me to go because it is a great opportunity.

“That was really nice because he didn’t put any pressure on me to make a decision, which was brilliant.”

Hanger has been in contact with Hansford, who is currently at University of North Carolina, and the former Nike Academy player is enjoying his time in the States.

“Everyone I’ve spoke to about the move has been incredibly positive.

“No-one has been down about it.

“If I really enjoy it, I hope to stay out there. If it doesn’t work out, who knows, I might be back at Dorchester in four years,” Hanger joked.