Stoke boss Tony Pulis says he is sorry to see Carl Dickinson leaving the club but he understands his reasons for moving on to Watford.
The full-back has joined the Hornets in a deal that could eventually be worth £600,000 but Pulis claims he could quite easily have kept hold of the 24-year-old.
Dickinson spent nine years with the Potters after making the switch from Derby County's Academy, and was a regular member of the side that gained promotion to the Premier League in the 2007-2008 campaign.
However, his opportunities have been limited in the top-flight and in recent seasons, he has spent time out on loan at Leeds, Barnsley and Portsmouth.
Pulis said: "There comes a time when you have to think of the player and their desire to play more regularly. It's difficult, no matter how much you want to keep them.
"I'll be sad to see him go, but I know he will give fantastic service to Watford.
"His attitude and desire have been first-class, a lesson to any footballer, while he has always been popular in the dressing room.
"I know we haven't seen much of Carl in recent times, but I'll never forget the part he has played in the growth of this football club."