Ryan Young to receive AFC Telford accolade
AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson today insisted he wanted Ryan Young to stay - as the long-serving goalkeeper returns to receive a life membership.
Young is back at the New Bucks Head tonight to be honoured the club's end-of-season presentation night, which will be taking place in the Whitehouse Hotel.
The Bucks today confirmed the shot-stopper will become only the fifth person to land the award after Jack Bentley, Les Wilson, Bob Turner and Stan Storton.
The 34-year-old made 367 Telford appearances after joining from Hednesford Town in 2007, but had relocated to his roots in the Isle of Wight last December.
The veteran travelled back for training and matches and completed the campaign with his first league title medal, as champions of the Skrill Conference North.
Watson left the player's future in his own hands and is adamant there was a future at the club for the veteran. But he knew, deep down, his mind was made up.
The Bucks boss said: "Players don't stay at clubs for seven years these days and it's testament to him that he always stayed loyal. He could have stayed.
"When we had a conversation, we both agreed it wasn't feasible. It's probably the best time for him to go out, on a massive high. That's what he deserves."
Young signed for Conference South side Havant & Waterlooville this week and agrees it was a fitting finish to his Telford career to walk away with glory.
It was a gut-wrenching decision to leave, but a "new chapter" awaits after he has bid emotional farewells to a club where he will be fondly remembered.
He said: "I am looking forward to coming back, seeing the lads and thanking the management personally. The support I have had has been amazing.
"I can't praise the fans enough or say a big enough thank you. I can't wait to shake hands with them all tonight. I have made so many good friends at the club.
"I wanted to finish my career there but I couldn't have wished for a better way to leave, I went away as a champion. You may never get that opportunity again.
"I would have hated to walk away a failure and Liam made sure that didn't happen to me. I am so glad the club got back to where it belongs before I moved on.
"It's a new chapter, I have made my decision and it was the hardest one ever. It was tough to stomach after being there for so long."
