So as the new season approaches, and with the pre-season campaign already underway, it’s the time of the year where some tough decisions need to be made. With a whole host of new talent coming through during pre-season training, it is with some regret that FC MMIX can confirm that Lewis Holt, Darran Gillions, Dave Jennings, Steve Berry, Christian Miller, Mat O’Neill and Jamie Bosdet will not be retaking their place in the squad for 2010/11.
Jennings and Miller are both due to logistical reasons, having relocated to London and the USA respectively in the spring of 2009. Gillions, Holt and Berry all found first team opportunities limited during 2009/10 and made only a handful of appearances between them over the course of the season and Bosdet, now residing in Australia, has also moved on.
O’Neill is a slightly different case as his services were still desired but as yet, he has been incommunicado since pre-season began.
Captain and manager Joe Meddings said this:
“I’m sorry to see them go, but I guess that we have to be realistic and do what is best for both the team, and for the individuals themselves. Obviously the decision with Dave and Christian was made for us but I’m remaining in touch with them both, and I’ll always be sorry that I never managed to get them more game time during their stay here.
Steve was an unfortunate one, as he came in with a great pedigree and reputation but for whatever reason it never really worked out on the field. Jamie, as we all know, had some stuff going on that he needed to sort and I wish him all the best with that – we’d been playing together for a long time and he remains a good, good friend so hopefully we’ll see him again soon.
Lewis and Darran, and all of the others in fact, were all offered the chance to stay on with the team but chose to ply their trade elsewhere so maybe it’s best for all parties that we draw a line under it and wish them well. It’s a really exciting time with FC MMIX right now as the new season approaches, but that doesn’t mean that each and every one of these people haven’t played a part in what turned out to be one hell of a season.
And as for Mat… I still see that there is a place for him within FC MMIX so if he ever does resurface, then I’d certainly be willing to talk.”
FC MMIX wishes the departing players all the very best with their future exploits, as they have all played a huge part in what will have always been a monumental year for the club.
