CHEY Dunkley has said leaving Kidderminster Harriers to join Oxford United was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make.

The 22-year-old has completed his loan to the League Two side, with the transfer becoming permanent when the January transfer window opens for an undisclosed fee.

It is believed to be a five figure sum which more than doubles the £20,000 offer which Cheltenham made in the summer.

Dunkley joined Harriers from Hednesford in the summer of 2010 for a fee of £5,000 and has developed into an England C regular and one of the best defenders in the Vanrama Conference.

He made his 100th appearance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers. Dunkley also scored 12 goals for Harriers.

"I’ve had some great times in my two years at Kiddy and some really good memories,” said Dunkley.

"When I first came to the club I was unproven but was given the opportunity to go in and show what I can do and I think I did well.

"In my first season we almost won the league after picking up only five points from our first 10 games.

"It’s something I hadn’t experienced before in my footballing career and that season in particular is close to my heart as I’m sure it’s going to be close to a lot of the fans’ hearts.

"I knew of the interest from Oxford and from there the move happened quickly, so I didn’t know for sure at the time that it would be my last game.

"I have mixed feelings as I’ve made a lot of friends here and it’s hard to leave, but in football everybody wants to progress and do well for themselves.

"The gaffer (Gary Whild) and Mark Creighton spoke to me and were very supportive.

"Obviously they would have liked to keep me but they recognised that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t really turn down - they reminded me that it’s not a bad decision to move on and progress your career.

"I didn’t make an appearance in the Football League while I was at Crewe so it’s a very special moment for me to get back into the Football League with Oxford.

"I know it’s a lot of footballers’ dreams to play at this level and it’s something that I’m looking forward to.

"But it’s hard to leave Kiddy without achieving promotion to the Football League with them because I would have liked to have done that.

"We are still only four points away from a play-off position, and after a hard-earned point at Bristol Rovers, I think the lads can really kick on now.

"It’s an open league and if Kiddy can keep getting points towards Christmas then I’m sure they will be aiming to stay up that part of the table.

"I also want to say thank you to the Harriers fans for their support while I’ve been at the club.

"Even when times were hard, they’ve come to support the team and stuck behind me and the lads, and I hope they continue to do that.

"I’ve been receiving messages on Twitter and Facebook from fans and it’s all been positive, nothing negative.

"As much as it does hurt me to leave the club, it’s exciting for me to progress.

"So for me, it’s happy but sad times.

"Thank you to everyone at Kiddy and all the best for the future."