By James Barrett

Ex-Carshalton Athletic goalkeeper Nick Hamann is fulfilling his potential after earning a move to the Skrill Conference Premier.

The German national, who has made more than 150 appearances for the Robins, signed for Braintree Town last month but he says Carshalton will forever have a place in his heart.

“It was a privilege to play at Colston Avenue and I feel being such a consistent part of the first team has helped me get this move,” he said.

“Carshalton’s fans hung a German flag and sang nice songs about me, a fact that still makes me smile even now.

"I would never consider playing for another club at that level.”

Hamann, who was part of the Chelsea squad that beat Arsenal in the Champions League in 2004, believes he has joined a club in Braintree which is “thinking big” about the future, despite it retaining its part-time status.

“The club beat Luton Town twice on its way to finishing ninth last season, its highest finish at this level,” he said.

"Plus, it has plans to move into a new stadium. I’m pleased to be here and looking forward to the start of the season.”

It was no secret Hamann had been on trial at League One Brentford  shortly after last season finished, but he maintains his move to Braintree is still a huge step forward for his career.

“I was close to signing with the other club but it didn’t quite pan out,” he said.

“I had no doubts about joining Braintree however and, as a bonus, it means I get to work with someone like Alan Devonshire too.”

Devonshire, the ex-West Ham and England player, has been Braintree manager for more than two years and Hamann claims to already be learning new things under his guidance.

“I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career but I will keep an eye out for Carshalton’s results – I’m so pleased the club was reprieved from relegation,” he added.

“That late run of wins we earned was actually one of my proudest times there and I’m so pleased it has helped result in the club staying in the Ryman Premier.”