Former Terror Allan McLeod has backed Tooting & Mitcham for success in the Ryman Premier this season - despite jumping ship this week to join Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic.

Defender McLeod had undergone a lengthy trial with Athletic before finally signing on the dotted line.

But despite joining a list of departures that include last season standouts Justyn Roberts, Dean McDonald and Andrew Howell, McLeod insists all is not lost at Imperial Fields.

He said: “I still think Tooting have the base of a really good squad.

“I know Billy is bringing in a lot of players for pre-season training and I am sure he will recruit well.

“There is a great team spirit there and I am convinced they will do well.”

McLeod was joined in his Grays trial by striker Paul Vines, but the frontman has since returned to Tooting.

And the former Arsenal man admits it had been a nervous wait before finally committing to the Essex side.

McLeod added: “It was a big jump for me, as with working it had to be worth my while putting in the extra hours.

“So it was a case of whether or not something could be sorted that would enable me to keep working but also step up the training, and thankfully we were able to work something out.”

Despite agreeing to the move, McLeod revealed he only has good memories from his time at Tooting.

He added: “I don’t have a single bad word to say about the club and I wish them all the luck in the world.

“I had a great time there and I will remember it fondly.

“But now is a new chapter and I am really excited about the prospect of playing for Grays. ”