Off-field antics lead to Roberts leaving Bangor

BANGOR City’s controversial captain Gary Roberts was transferred to Southport before last Thursday’s Europa League game.

The former Crewe Alexandra midfielder’s career has been blighted by off-the-field problems.

Despite an impressive first season at Bangor where he netted six goals in 24 appearances, including the winner in the Europa League play-off final against Newtown, Roberts’ disciplinary issues often overshadowed his talents.

Bangor City released the following statement: “Following numerous incidents of unprofessional behaviour by the player, it was agreed that in the best interests of both parties that a parting of the ways was the only way forward.

“The new Southport FC management team has pursued the player for the last few weeks. Therefore, it was inevitable that this caused a disruption to the player’s attitude towards the club.

“We as Bangor City FC will not tolerate any misconduct by anyone involved with the club. It is against what the club stands for, shows a complete lack of respect and commitment to the management, board, his team-mates and most importantly, the great fans of this club.

“No-one is bigger than Bangor City FC. It is a great club with a rich history and tradition, and when a player states in the week leading up to a massive European game that he no longer wants to play for the club, we were left with no alternative other than to release him from his contract.”

Bangor have already made strides to replace lost talents Henry Jones and Roberts by signing defender Danny Holmes from York City and young goal-getting prospect George Harry from National League club Wrexham this week.