Boro bid farewell to three

Radcliffe Borough have said goodbye to three of their best known players.

Record appearance maker Simon Kelly, Steve Howson and Martyn Forrest have all left the club following Saturday's win over Garforth Town.

‘Boro’ legend Kelly has struggled to combine his football with his work in recent months, and his Saturday hours have now made it impossible for him to play.

Speaking to the club's website, majority shareholder Bernard Manning said, “Simon has been a big part of the club over the past 14 years and he has become synonymous with Radcliffe Borough Football Club. He has been a model professional and a manager’s dream, he has remained incredibly loyal to the club and I am sure he will visit when he can. We had some really good times, funny moments and some memorable moments. There are not many players of his type around today; simply put loyalty and commitment were part of Simon’s make-up. I am sure I speak for everyone at the club and in non-league in wishing Simon and his family health and happiness in the future”

Steve Howson is set to leave to kick start a new life and career in Australia. He has taken up a position in a sports consultancy business and also hopes to join one of the local football clubs to continue playing. He jets off to start his new life travelling out on New Year’s Eve with his girlfriend Sara. Of Howson, Manning said, “I have to say again it is a sad thing to hear, ‘Howsey’ was such a popular member of the team and he really loved being at the football club. He was ‘Boro’ through and through and gave everything to the club on and off the pitch and I am really sorry to see him leave although I fully respect his decision and hope it works out for him and Sara. He will be sorely missed at the club more than anyone will know.”

Martyn Forrest also announced his decision to leave. Manager Benny Phillips commented “I did not get a chance to spend too much time with ‘Fozzie’ but just enough to know he was well respected by the lads and had a ‘football brain’ as they say when on the pitch, he was never a minutes trouble and just got on with the job as you would expect from an ex-pro, I wish him well in the future on and off the pitch.”

Kevin Glendon added, “Fozzie was always willing to help out in any position, he had very good ability and experience which he used to his advantage. He never gave in and was loyal to the cause, he had a dry sense of humour and he deserved the respect he had at the club and I wish him the best of luck and happiness in the future, especially with his new baby on the way.”

All three were local lads born in Bury and were delighted to represent their local semi-professional football club. Martyn has not figured this season and Simon will remain registered for the club and is willing to help out if needed. Steve Howson’s last apperance is scheduled to be against Trafford at Home this coming Saturday, with Salford City a potential fixture as well