Peters blocks the return of Bacup skipper
BACUP Borough manager Brent Peters has revealed he has parted company with his long-serving captain Adrian Bellamy.
Peters was disappointed with some of Bellamy’s actions during the off-season and the Bacup boss has explained further what has transpired.
Peters told the club’s official website: “It has been well documented that last season we ran with one of our youngest playing squads, despite the fact we did not get off to the best of starts due to having an unsettled goalkeeping position.
“Once this was resolved we grew into the season finishing in a creditable eighth in the league, along with semi-finalists in the Division One Cup.
“We also finished the season with the Team of the Month following three straight away wins and two home draws.
“We have a lot of young
players within their development who have experiences from the last season which can stand them in good stead going forward, to this end it is important they have a good leader on the pitch that can help the boys, something in fairness Adrian has done.
“However moving forward, it is important we build on this, so when I receive a random text from their captain stating he was maybe considering a new challenge, then if I was not careful, this could send out the wrong message to such a talented, youthful squad.
“Following talks with Bellamy, I set a deadline insisting I did require a decision, one way or another, the deadline I had set had passed and still no decision.
“He dismissed the deadline by still keeping his option open, so as the manager of Bacup Borough and for the benefit of the club, I just could not afford to be left hanging on. Time stands still for no one, so to this end with an heavy heart I had to move on.
“It was two weeks later when a random text arrived stating that by this time next week he would make a decision of whether he was staying or going.
“It was at this point that I broke the news and told him we would be moving on without him, not because I wanted, but because I had to do, otherwise I would miss my targets and his replacement had he have decided to leave.
“Adrian was full of remorse, apologised his actions, and has since shown a desire to stay, but I would not allow any player that has been at the club for the time Adrian has been here to be exploring all options and if all options failed, then using Bacup as an easy fall back.
“Plus he was the captain, so he is the last person I would expect to be conducting himself in such a way. I respect the commitment and loyalty Adrian has shown, but only Adrian knows what his motives were.
“Whatever they were, they have backfired upon him. We are still friends and we will remain friends, so I wish Adrian all the best for the future. Could he return? One can never say never, but at this time it would not be in the club’s best interest to overturn my decision as it will send out all of the wrong messages, something I am not prepared to do.”