STRIKER Tyler Rose has said he will always be thankful for the opportunity given to him by Harwich and Parkeston.

The frontman has been on loan with the Thurlow Nunn League first division south side from Needham Market.

However, he is now moving to Southampton and Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Coggeshall United was his last game for Kieron Shelley's side.

In total, Rose scored 13 goals during his highly-successful spell at the Royal Oak.

"It's been a brilliant experience," said Walton-based Rose, a former student at Tendring Technology College.

"Of course I was disappointed to sign off with a rare defeat.

"It's not the way I wanted to finish and we only had ourselves to blame for missing chances.

"But aside from that, I've loved every minute.

"I couldn't have picked a better team to come and play for.

"Kieron and (assistant manager) Mike (Wallace) have been great since day one and I've had so much support from (chairman) Tony Armstrong.

"He sent me a lovely message last week thanking me for my contribution and saying I'd been a big part of the club's success this season.

"Without the belief of people like him, I wouldn't have been able to score the goals I have this season.

"I'd also like to thank the Harwich supporters.

"They've been absolutely brilliant since the first day I joined, singing my name and cheering me on.

"It's been a really great experience and I'll never forget the atmosphere in our derby match at Little Oakley, on Boxing Day.

"Both sets of fans were brilliant and there was a bigger crowd that day than when I played for Needham against Leiston.

"They're great memories."

Rose won the penalty that led to Harwich's goal at Coggeshall, converted by Jordan Heath.

However, it proved a disappointing day for the Shrimpers and they dropped back to fourth in the table, having been leapfrogged by White Ensign.

They have no game this weekend and return to action with a home match against Frenford on March 3.