Anthony Elding enjoyed his 12 months at Stockport County so much that he hopes to one day return and play for the club again.

Elding, aged 25, has been speaking to the Express this week after a hectic few days last week which culminated in a transfer deadline day switch to Yorkshire giants Leeds United for an undisclosed fee.

Elding, who joined County last January from Boston United, said: "I had a fantastic time at Stockport, and it's a period in my career that I will always remember.

"I built up a great relationship with everyone at the club, on and off the field, and of course with the fans who were always great with me.

"I love Stockport County and the club will always have a place in my heart. Maybe I will play for the club again later in my career.

"You should never burn your bridges, it's just that I was presented with this chance to join a massive club in Leeds and I couldn't turn it down at this stage in my career."

Elding went on to reveal that if Leeds hadn't come in for him, he would probably still be a County player.

"I was told bids had come in for me from Hartlepool and Crewe," added Elding. "But if they had been the only options I would have turned them down and stayed at County.

"I've had a good season and it's been great to be scoring goals again.

"I couldn't turn Leeds down though. They're a massive club and they're going for promotion into the Championship. I want to play at as high a level as I can, that's only natural."

Elding was thrust straight into the Leeds starting line-up on Saturday by new boss Gary McAllister, but unfortunately the day didn't quite go to plan.

United lost 2-0 to Tranmere and Elding was replaced in the second half by Tore Andre Flo.

However, Elding, who signed a two-and-a-half year contract last Thursday, enjoyed his big day when a crowd of almost 25,000 watched on at Elland Road.

"It was a great experience, it was exciting to be playing in front of such a big crowd," said Elding.

"It was a special moment for me and my family.

"The lads were a bit down after the game, but Leeds is definitely a club destined for bigger things once again."

Elding made 52 appearances in a County shirt - with seven coming as a substitute - and he scored 26 goals.

Meanwhile, despite being short-listed for the January Powerade League Two player of the month award, Elding was beaten to that particular gong by Grimsby Town's young striker Danny North.