Scott Brown announced his departure from Stanley on social media – the same platform he used to express just how much last season’s promotion had meant to him.

The central midfielder has opted to turn down Stanley’s offer of a new deal and was quickly snapped up by National League side Harrogate Town.

A League Two title-winner with the Reds in 2017/18, Brown highlighted just how big the celebrations had been after the home win over Yeovil Town which sealed the historic promotion.

He wrote: “Lost my phone house keys and car keys don’t remember getting home still in my kit want to do it all again, couldn’t be any prouder, lads, staff, fans everyone associated with Accrington Stanley enjoy this moment you all deserve it.”

Thankfully there was a happy ending to that story, but the promotion is Brown’s standout moment from his time at the Wham Stadium.

“I did lose everything that night but thankfully I got it all back. I still have my medal, I gave it my son, and I still have the kit,” said the 34-year-old.

“I can’t thank Accrington enough. I have made friends for life, the manager, the chairman, the staff, my team-mates, from the day I signed it’s been the best time and it couldn’t have been any better.

“I am gutted to leave but Harrogate came in for me and it’s a good deal for me at this stage of my career but I will miss everyone at Accrington.”

Brown has five promotions on his CV and will be looking to add that with a Harrogate side who were beaten by AFC Fylde in the National League play-offs this season after a sixth-placed finish.

He played 37 times for Stanley, and 128 in all, and picking out his best moment is an easy one.

Brown added: “I have got five promotions in my career and this was a big one because I was a big part of it, I enjoyed it all.

“We had a blip around Christmas but then we were unbeatable.

“I remember the Yeovil game and the pressure was on to win that but I think it was the best we have played since I have been there.

“We were incredible, we didn’t let Yeovil have a minute on the ball and it was brilliant, it was our best performance.

“It’s still one of the best days in my football career.

“That whole season was brilliant and I enjoyed it as I played my part. It was a massive highlight in my career.”

Brown scored on his full Stanley debut at Oxford in February 2016, one of six goals he managed from central midfield.

“It was my full debut at Oxford and Tom Davies had been sent off, we were down to ten men but we ended up winning 2-1,” he told the club’s official website.

“Sean (McConville) put a great ball, Billy Kee found me and I put it in, it was late on and it was on my debut so it was special.”

His move to East Lancashire in January 2016 saw him link up with John Coleman for a second time after the pair had worked together at Southport.

Brown’s spell was full of undoubted highs, but the real low was missing out on promotion in 2016/17, first to Stevenage who went up automatically, and then to AFC Wimbledon in the play-offs.

He added: “That was a sickener, we left everything out on the pitch against Stevenage and then the Play-Offs were a lottery. It was one of those things but it was hard to take.

“I think we suffered a hangover the season after, we were deflated, although we did put a decent run together after Christmas which set us up for next season.”

The transfer is subject to FA and National League approval, with Brown set to join up with his new club once his current deal at Stanley expires at the end of next month.

A Harrogate Town spokesman: “We would like to welcome Scott to the club and look forward to seeing him in action in pre-season at The CNG Stadium.”