JON Benton faces Southend United tonight admitting he had no choice but to leave the Shrimpers last summer.

Benton, who is now lining up for Solihull Moors, came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall.

But the 22-year-old was unable to sign a new contract due to the club’s transfer embargo.

And that resulted in the midfielder having to move on.

“Obviously it was out of my control with the situation at Southend,” said Benton.

“I wasn’t under contract and there was no date to which I could sign so I had to make the decision to leave and go play games elsewhere.

"But the staff at Southend supported me with the decision.”

Benton, who made six first team appearances for the Shrimpers, signed for National League South side Aveley in July.

And he remains grateful for the part the Millers played in rebuilding his career.

“I loved my time at Aveley,” said Benton.

“The players, staff and fans were a tight group and that was probably a reason we were so successful.

"They’ve carried on the form and sit near the play-offs I believe which is really good to see.

"But Aveley was a great place for me to go show what I could do and the manager Scopesy (Danny Scopes) gave me that so I’m very grateful.”

Benton’s fine form saw scouts flocking to Parkside to watch him play.

The midfielder was snapped up by Solihull in October, with his debut ironically coming against the Shrimpers at Roots Hall.

And he has settled in well to his new surrounding.

“I’ve loved every minute being with Solihull,” said Benton.

“The players, staff and fans are all one big community like Southend’s so they made it very easy to settle and become part of the group.

"We have a great chance of going to Wembley twice so will be disappointing if we don’t get there once.”

But, for now, Benton’s sole focus in on facing Blues.

“I’m looking forward to the game and it’s going to be a good test,” he added.