Long-serving keeper hangs up his gloves

LIAM Castle has announced that he is retiring from playing football.

The Barwell keeper has been with the club for 13 seasons and is well respected across non-league.

He was a youth player with Basingstoke Town and then signed for their first team. He then joined Hinckley United before being snapped up by Barwell.

A club spokesperson said: “It is fair to say that he has become a firm fan favourite, often receiving good feedback from opposition fans, and has cemented himself as a Barwell legend.

Talking about the decision, Liam said: “I am at a stage in life where I want to join my son Oscar on his journey through the game. Through the 13 seasons I have played for Barwell, I have met so many friends and characters along the way.

“The club have moved forward over the years and I’ve been involved with many successful campaigns. There are many highlights and memories that can be spoken about for years to come.”

Liam wanted to thank many of the the years, and followed the club all people who have supported him during over the country proudly wearing the his time at Barwell. canary yellow.

He said: “I want to thank Dave and Liam has played under five managers Julie Laing for their ongoing support in his time with the Canaries and towards me and the club, Colin Burton each have helped him out with his for backing my corner through thick career. and thin, Viv and Sue Coleman for the He said: “I want to thank all the work they have also put into the club, managers who have let me wear the Terry Fisher for his support, and to number 1 shirt over the years. I want Shirley Brown for her hard work and to thank Bob Steele for signing me, Ian efforts every year. Blythe for understanding my situation

“I also want to thank all the supporters, and allowing me to play through some who have grown in numbers over difficult times and Marcus Law for bringing a goalkeeper coach into my game and making me aware of the position I was playing and for bringing the club through promotion.

“More recently I want to thank Jimmy Ginnelly for being hard on me at times those in the changing room know what I mean. I am also grateful to Guy Hadland who is there now and I wish him all the best and I believe he has a big future in non-league management.”

The goalkeeper, who has played with many people over the years, added: “And finally a big thanks to every player I have played with over the 13 years I have been at Barwell because without them I would not be where I am today, the success we have had in the period of time has been phenomenal for the club.”

Guy Hadland, Barwell manager, said that he wished Liam all the best for the future saying: “Liam has been outstanding for Barwell and is it remarkable for one player to stay with a club for so long. Everyone at the club wishes him all the very best and thank him for all of his efforts.” £1.30p