BATTLING for silverware at Poltair Park was a prospect too big for Charlie Young to turn down.

After weeks of negotiations, it was finally confirmed last week the central midfielder had agreed to leave Helston Athletic and would be signing for South West Peninsula League Premier Division champions St Austell, who also hold the Cornwall Senior Cup.

Last season Young played a vital role in the Blues' promotion from the SWPL West with his 15 goals in the league making him the club's second highest goalscorer behind Mark Goldsworthy.

Athletic's boss Sid Taylor has not wasted time in replacing the 22-year-old as he confirmed Phil Cattran had been signed from 2014/15 Jolly's Combination League winners Mullion.

Speaking to the Packet whilst on holiday, Young said it was not an easy decision to leave Helston after five years there, but added he knew it was a big opportunity he could not refuse.

Young said: "Personally, i just needed a bit of a change and the chance to compete for trophies with St Austell was very hard to turn down.

"Some people might say you've gone for the money, but what I've gone for is the challenge of trying to get into a very good team and improving myself.

"I had a great five years with Helston and I'm so glad they finally have been promoted."

With Jordan Dingle joining Bodmin Town and Dan Hart going to Plymouth Parkway, Lillywhites manager Phil Lafferty said he needed to find a good replacement in the midfield and had been keen to bring in Young for several years.

"I have been a long time admirer of Charlie ever since I first saw him play against Newquay when I was there," Lafferty said.

"He has been a loyal servant for Helston over the last five years and with a couple of our central midfield options leaving the club, I knew he was the guy to sign.

"My preferred style when it comes to signings is to bring in players who are young and who I believe can make the step up to the Peninsula League Premier level and I know Charlie will be able to cope with it.

"Charlie is an intelligent player and that will help him fit in our side as we have a lot of intelligent players and he also gets around the park, so as long as he can get himself fit in pre-season, I have told him he has a good chance of breaking into the first team."

Blues boss Taylor said he was sad to see Young leave the club, but added he believes Cattran will be a great addition to the squad.

Taylor said: "Obviously I am disappointed to see Charlie leave us, but I am happy with Phil joining the club as in my opinion he is the best youngster in this area, having scored 26 goals from midfield for Mullion last season."