DANIEL Bentley insists he is sad to have left Southend United.

The Wickford based goalkeeper turned down a new deal at the Shrimpers in favour of a switch to Championship club Brentford.

And, despite being excited by a move which will see him tested at a higher level, Bentley admitted it had been tough to turn his back on Blues.

“I’m really pleased to have joined Brentford and the time is right to make the move but I’m also sad to have left Southend,” said the 22-year-old.

“I’ve been at Southend for a very long time and I’ve had a lot of really good moments at the club, most notably at Wembley.

“I’m also going to be extremely grateful for everything they’ve done for me and the grounding that they’ve given me plus it’s my hometown club so it’s always going to be special to me.

“I’ll always keep an eye out for their results and hope to stay in touch with many of the really good people at the club.

“But I’m ambitious and I wanted to play at a higher level which is why I’ve decided to make this move.”

Bentley – who came through the youth system with the Shrimpers – was certainly not sure of interest with Bournemouth, Burnley and Glasgow Rangers also interested in securing his signature.

However, Bentley eventually opted for Griffin Park in order to have a more realistic chance of playing regular first team football.

“I could have gone to a Premier League side but I would have been second or third choice and wouldn’t have played much,” said the former Bromfords School pupil.

“Having played regularly at Southend I don’t want to go into playing under 21 football because I don’t think that would be good for my game.

“Coming to Brentford is a really good move but I know I’ll have to work hard and play well to be number one here.

“However I wouldn’t expect it any other way.”

Bentley has already begun training with his new club and is enjoying working closely with former Southend United shot-stopper Simon Royce who now coaches the goalkeepers at Brentford.

“I had obviously heard of Simon but I hadn’t come across him before now,” said Bentley.

“I know all about his career and him being an ex professional which is good for me.

“Terry Mason was brilliant for me at Southend but he’s not an ex pro and I’m really looking forward to working with Simon now.”

Bentley will also be monitored by manager Dean Smith whose Walsall side impressed the goalkeeper last season.

“I remember being really impressed when Walsall beat us at Roots Hall at the start of last season and I like the manager’s ethos,” said Bentley.

“He gives chances to young, hungry players and that’s what I would like to consider myself as.

“It’s been an easy transition for me to make and joining here was a no brainer really, especially after the last couple of seasons here.

“I just can’t wait for the games to start.”

And Bentley could well be up against a familiar face on his competitive debut against a Huddersfield Town team likely to include Jack Payne who also left the Shrimpers this summer.

“It’s funny how it’s worked out but I have to make sure I get picked first ,” said the keeper.

“Then I’ll try and stop him.”