Seagulls hail departing stalwart

Hopley, pictured recently collecting an inscribed certificate from Chapman to mark his 100th goal, made 270 appearances for the Seagulls.

After kicking off his career at Macclesfield Town, he moved on to Winsford United where he was top scorer in the side which won the North West Counties League Championship. Now in his eighth season with the Seagulls since arriving from Leek Town, his stay has only been interrupted by a brief spell at Chester.

Officials said he opted to move on after talks with new manager Kevin Lynch who told the 30-year-old he couldn't guarantee him a regular berth in his starting line-up with the club fighting off the threat of successive relegations.

Chapman hailed the club's former assistant and caretaker manager as 'Mr Colwyn Bay' in a statement announcing his departure.

He said: “Rob has become a hero for the club over the years, scoring over 100 goals and helping the club win two promotions along the way. There aren’t many players in football, never mind this level, that are so committed to a club like Rob has been to Colwyn Bay.

“It’s inevitable all players will leave the club one day but when Rob phoned to let me know his decision I was gutted. I fully understand his reasons for going and I’ve told him he’ll always be welcome back at the club.

“Myself and the board are truly grateful for everything he has done for the club over the years and especially when we asked him to take charge of the team whilst we were recruiting a new manager.

“Rob is the ultimate professional and I know he’ll be back doing what he does best, scoring goals, very soon. It will feel very strange not seeing him around the club on match days and I know all supporters will wish him well with his move."

Hopley thanked fans and explained the reasoning behind his decision. He added: “The club has been a massive part of my life since 2007 when I first signed and it was a very tough decision to leave.

“The fans and everyone at the club have been fantastic to me in all my time here and I thank them all so much. I would love to return one day in some capacity if the opportunity arose.

“Right now, I want to make the most of what playing time I’ve got left and Witton is a huge pull because it so much closer to my home – especially with me having a young family now and with my job."

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