Since he first came to the Dennyfield three or four years ago, Mark has always been a popular member of the squad. He came at a time when he know that it was unlikely that he would be first choice keeper but he was prepared to wait for an opportunity and when it came he grasped it with both hands. He was awarded the Committee’s Player of the Year award because of his positive attitude.

It is, I think, fairly common knowledge that Mark’s opportunities this coming season were likely to be limited at Thackley. But Mark feels that he wants to carry on playing, that he still has what it takes to perform successfully at NCEL level. Anyone who saw Mark’s performance in the match against a Notts County XI, including that magnificent double save, would be hard pressed to disagree.

So it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Mark. We wish him all the best with his new club, Yorkshire Amateurs. He can be assured that he will always be welcome down at the Dennyfield.