Hednesford Town Football Club can sadly confirm that Ben Bailey has departed Keys Park after almost a decade with the club.

The popular centre-half, who skippered the side last season, played a total of 335 times for the Pitmen after breaking into the first team squad during the 2007/08 campaign.

Bailey today confirmed that his future lies away from a club that will always hold a special place in his heart.

He said:

“This has been a really tough decision, one which I have given great thought and consideration.

“I would like to thank Steve Price, the staff, my teammates, the eight different managers I have played for and everyone at the club.

“I sincerely hope Hednesford do well this season and come back fighting. I have the greatest respect for the club and everyone involved.”

Ben will be remembered for giving his all for the football club every time he stepped onto the pitch in Pitmen colours.

He will go down in history as being a crucial member of the teams that gained promotion from the Northern Premier League and lifted both the Staffordshire Senior Cup and Birmingham Senior Cup twice, in what was a memorable career after breaking through from the Youth Team.

Club Secretary, Terry McMahon said:

“I can’t speak highly enough of Ben Bailey, he has been a magnificent servant of the club since he joined us as a young prospect from Gornal Athletic FC as a 16-year-old. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Everyone associated with Hednesford Town would like to wish ‘Bails’ all the very best for his future in the game and would like to remind him that Keys Park will forever be his home.