JORDAN Gough says he will be forever grateful to Solihull Moors for giving him the opportunity to develop after his surprise exit from the club.
Both Gough and fellow defender Theo Streete have left the Vanarama National League club.
Gough, who had made 22 appearances this season, joined from Gresley in 2013 and, although manager Liam McDonald did not want to lose him, the 26-year-old versatile defender felt it was time for a fresh challenge.
Gough sent a message of best wishes to the club via Twitter, saying: “After three-and-a-half years and over 100 starts for Solihull my time has come to an end. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was given and to be part of a club which has come such a long way on and off the field.
“The progression made by the club is remarkable from when I first joined, to go on to the winning the North League last year and making history for the club in so many ways. I wish the club, fans, players and everyone involved at Solihull all the best for the future.”
Leaving with best wishes
McDonald said: “I had a good discussion with Jordan and, while I’m disappointed he’s leaving the club, I fully respect his desire to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere after three years at Solihull.
“I have enjoyed working with both Theo and Jordan during my first few months at the club and I wish them both all the very best for the future.”
Streete, who captained Moors to the National North title last season, has yet to play this season after suffering a serious knee injury in pre-season and has been told he could now face surgery.
The club announced he has left by ‘mutual consent’, adding: “Everybody associated with the club would like to place on record immense thanks for the manner in which Theo conducted himself both as a player and as a captain, notably as the leader of the Vanarama National League North-winning squad, and wish him success in the future.”
Streete, 29, had come through Solihull College’s ranks, before spells at Derby County, Doncaster and Rotherham and then spending four seasons with Moors from 2008.
Two years followed at Alfreton Town, helping them win the Conference North title, and then two years as an ever-present with Nuneaton Town before returning to Moors in 2015 and inspiring them to their marvellous title success.
The reshaping of Moors’ squad under McDonald has continued with the arrival of midfielder Simeon Maye, who played for the manager at both Redditch and Hednesford Town.
Moors have also targeted another current Pitman and ex-Red after an approach for powerful defender Calum Flanagan.
Solihull kick off 2017 on New Year’s Day when they travel to Chester City (3pm).
