FORMER Swindon Town striker Scott Twine sent an emotional message to the club's fans after it was announced that he would join Milton Keynes Dons on July 1.

After news broke on Tuesday evening that the 21-year-old would head to Stadium:MK upon expiry of his current deal with his home town club, Twine published a statement on Twitter that was accompanied by Swindon Town's official Twitter handle and a heart.

The attacker thanked everyone who had helped him on his journey at the County Ground and said he made the move to help further his career, but that he would never forget the support he had received from fans.

Twine said: "This has been a very tough decision for me to make, as most of you are aware I'm a Swindon Town fan and have lived in the area all my life.

"I've been at the club for almost 10 years with a lot of ups and downs, but I've decided that this is the right time to move on to further my career. I hope you all understand.

READ: Twine signs for MK after rejecting new Town deal.

"I'm sorry that this season was very disappointing but I tried my hardest when I came back in January and unfortunately it wasn't enough.

"Thank you to all the players, coaches, and staff at the club in the past nine years that have helped me along my journey.

"But most of all I'd like to thank the fans who have believed in me and supported me whenever I put on the colours of Swindon Town, I will never forget that.

"Hopefully, one day we will meet again. #STFC"

The 21-year-old had been with Swindon since the age of 12, and after graduating from under the watchful eye of Alan McLoughlin in the club's academy set-up, Twine signed professional terms at the County Ground in March 2017.

Following a disappointing debut against Charlton Athletic that resulted in a 3-0 defeat on the final day, Twine went on to enjoy loan spells with non-league Chippenham Town, League of Ireland Premier Division outfit Waterford, and most recently League Two Newport County.

After being recalled in January of this year to help Town's fight against the drop, Twine added to his seven goals at Rodney Parade with seven more as well as three assists for Swindon.

With interest from a handful of Championship and League One clubs following Town's relegation and the expiration of his deal, Twine made the decision to join MK and likely fuel his desire for consistent playing time.