FA Cup hero Lewis Taylor has quit Horsham and returned to promoted AFC Wimbledon.
But Taylor, whose goal took Swansea to a replay in the second round last November, would have stayed had Hornets joined Dons in the Blue Square south.
The former Fulham academy midfielder Taylor, 21, said: "All I wanted was to play back at a higher level. I love Horsham. They've done so much for my career, especially manager John Maggs, and the fans are quality. If the club had gone up I wouldn't have gone anywhere.
"Dons is a step up and has a high media profile. I hope it will help me get back to a league club."
Taylor declined to sign a new deal with Hornets towards the end of the season.
He said: "I wanted to keep my options open."
Maggs said: "I wish Lewis all the very best and thank him for his efforts. He has been a very good player for us."
Taylor had a spell with Dons before joining Hornets from Whyteleafe two years ago.
His last and 22nd league goal for Horsham was in a 4-2 victory against Terry Brown's side in March.
Taylor also scored as Hornets knocked Dons out of the FA Cup in the second qualifying round this season.
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