Defender
Chris Mason will not be signing a new playing contract with the club, whilst
striker Gavin Cogdon (pictured) has decided to retire from competitive football.
But
both players are prominent figures in the North East’s fitness and well-being
industry and will now be using their expertise to benefit the club in new ways.
The
duo are two of the club’s most successful players of the last eleven years,
having played key parts in promotions; cup wins, memorable achievements, and,
of course, the FA Vase win in 2013.
Chief
executive Brad Groves told https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk: “I’d like to place
on record my gratitude to Gavin and Chris for their many years of service and
their contribution towards making Spennymoor Town FC what it is today.
“Such
has been their influence we are creating new roles within the club for each of
them. These will involve work with the first team as well as the ladies’ team
and our flourishing academy set up at Spennymoor Town youth.
“The
superb condition they have both kept themselves in throughout their careers is
testament to the knowledge and dedication they possess. This, combined with
their leadership skills and influence within the squad, meant we did not want
to lose them from our set-up and we want them to continue to play a role in the
club’s progression for years to come.”
Manager
Jason Ainsley has expressed his admiration for both players and thanked them
for the role they have played in the team’s success over the last decade: “With
a very heavy heart we have decided not offer Chris Mason a new deal.
“Mase
has been with this football club for 11 years and has been instrumental in
where we are today.
“He
has been a model professional and always a leader amongst the players and
beyond across the entire club. As with some of the other players we’re sad to
be losing this month, Chris is someone who I’m proud to call a very good friend
of mine.
“He
had the strength and character to come back stronger and more determined after
a year out with a cruciate injury, which shows just what type of lad he is. He
has been with me and the chief executive since well before he joined Spennymoor
and he will always be part of the family.
“Brad
Groves has agreed for Chris to have a testimonial game at The Brewery Field to
honour his long-standing service and I’m sure the supporters will turn out in
force to thank a player who has been at the very heart of what this club has
become.
“We
are in discussions with Mase to still play a role here. He is a Spennymoor lad
and has a vast array of professional experience that can continue to add value
well into the future.
“Gavin
has announced his retirement and it is only fitting after what he has done for
this football club that he is remembered for some scintillating Spennymoor Town
performances over the years.
“Despite
a few years away from the club, Brad and I brought him back at the start of
last season as we knew he would be an asset both on and off the field. I am the
first to admit that Gavin didn’t get the game time he wished for, but the
performances of Ben and James played a significant part in that.
“Gavin
did put in some brilliant performances during our run to the Durham Challenge
Cup Final, scoring some fantastic goals and terrorising defences throughout the
competition, just as he has done in a Spennymoor Town shirt for a large portion
of his glittering career. Gav is responsible for one of the greatest moments in
our recent history. I’ll always remember him scoring the opening goal of the
match in the FA Vase Final at Wembley with a well-placed header and celebrating
on the hallowed turf while representing this club.
“As
a thorough crowd favourite, I know myself and all the supporters will wish Gav
a tremendous retirement and thank him for what he has achieved for this
football club”. |