JAMES Knowles has revealed he received several offers after Bradford Park Avenue surprisingly released him but chose not to sign for one of their National League North rivals.

It was not so much out of loyalty to a club where he had two spells and racked up over 250 appearances, it was more a personal decision.

The centre back signed for Scarborough Athletic after a meeting with their manager Steve Kittrick, the former Guiseley boss.

Knowles said: "After getting over the initial shock of being released, I had plenty of time to look at the offers that were on the table and I also had the option of picking the right move for me.

"When you're a young player trying to further your career, or in the position of having to chase the most money, other things dictate where you go. At this stage of my career, I can pick and choose.

"I had a couple of offers from National League North clubs. One was local but the others were a bit further away. I've got two young children now, one 18 months old and one 11 weeks old, and the travelling would have been difficult.

"Not just to your club, because in that league the distances for away games mean that you're away from home a lot. There was also the football side of it – did I really want to be involved in another relegation battle?"

Kittrick called and, after the first meeting, Knowles was already sold on the move and signed soon after. He was joined last week by his former Avenue and Farsley team-mate James Walshaw.

Knowles said: "It made sense to sign for a club that is progressing and looking to push on with a promotion.

"There is such a strong side here, with good players that were with Park Avenue last year and Dales (Ross Daly) from Farsley.

"Kitty has just signed Wally from Farsley as well, which is just what we need – someone who is guaranteed to score goals at any level.

"Half of my family is from Scarborough, my mum and all her side, and a lot of them are regulars, so I've already got a few supporters behind me.

"The club have just moved to a brand new stadium, back in the town, and are looking to bring more new signings in.

"There are around 1,000 spectators coming in every week and it's always a pull to sign for a club with that amount of support. It's great to play in front of big crowds at home.

"Another pull is that Scarborough train on Wednesdays, so the travelling isn't so bad.

"It was probably the perfect move for me – but it's another new club and a big challenge. Yet even though it means proving myself all over again, it's a challenge I'm looking forward to."