Chris Winterton has revealed he turned down the opportunity to stay in League football in order to fight for the No.1 shirt at Eastbourne Borough.

Winterton attracted interest from newly-promoted League One clubs Stockport County and Hereford United after being released by Albion at the end of last season.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper was also a target for Lewes but believes Borough offer the best springboard to return to full-time football as soon as possible.

He faces stiff competition from regular No.1 Lee Hook at Priory Lane but is relishing the prospect of proving himself in the Blue Square premier.

Winterton said: "I could have gone to a couple of League clubs on trial but I would have just been another number there and could have been left without a club come September.

"Obviously I wanted to stay in full-time football but I decided it was a sacrifice I had to make because the offer of something concrete from a Blue Square premier side was a better option.

"It was a close call between Lewes and Borough and I literally only made my mind up ten minutes before I had to make the phone call to confirm my decision.

"In the end I went for Eastbourne because they seem a bit more stable whereas most of last season's team has left Lewes and it would be harder to settle in.

"My aim is to get back into the League as soon as possible and if I do well at Borough then I have a great chance of achieving that. I was gutted to be released by Albion because I had been there for eight years but I am looking at it as an opportunity to make a fresh start.

"I don't want to get stuck in non-league football for too long so hopefully I can catch the eye of a few scouts next season."

Winterton failed to make a first team appearance during his one season as a professional at Albion and spent spells on loan at Ryman League clubs Horsham YMCA and Burgess Hill last season.

He is determined not to be sitting on the sidelines again this season but knows that overtaking Hook in the pecking order will be difficult.

He added: "Lee has been at Eastbourne for something like six years and has done a tremendous job there so it is going to be tough for me.

"Obviously the fact he has been at the club a while means he probably has the edge to start with but Garry Wilson (manager) promised me he is not going to have any favourites so I've just got to show him what I can do in pre-season.

"Lee is a great keeper but I know I have got the ability to get ahead of him so it is up to me now to show it. My confidence took a bit of a knock when I was released by Albion but now I am looking to the future and not dwelling on the past."