Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim believes it was fitting that club legend Sam Esplin bowed out in style after helping the Keanie Park side seal back-to-back promotions.
Esplin spent an eventful four years with the club, with the attacking midfielder now set to move abroad to live with his partner Rachel in Dubai.
The talented player was presented with an Outstanding Service Award at the club’s recent player of the year bash.
And McKim admits he’ll be a tough player to replace as Burgh continue to prepare for life in League One next season.
McKim told Express Sport: “The impact with the goals and assists last year was massive.
“Last year, he was second top-goalscorer and also the highest assists so obviously he had a big impact on the team.
"Sam was the longest serving player in the team, so losing him is a big loss without a doubt.
“He was such a big character, a big personality, in the dressing room.
“It is sad to see him go but obviously it is for the right reasons as he is moving to Dubai with his partner. We wish him all the best and every success in the future.”
Esplin isn’t the only departure from Keanie Park, with goalkeeper Stuart Collins and versatile defender Nathan Marriott also leaving this summer.
McKim added: “Stuart has been an unbelievable servant to the club and has contributed massively to the success in recent seasons.
“We are sad to see him and Nathan go.”
McKim also revealed how he is adding to the squad ahead of the new season, saying: “We have brought in a couple of players, but even if Sam had stayed we still had to get reinforcements in for that area of the pitch, but obviously now as he was the vice captain I’ll need to appoint another one.
“So naturally the other boys in the squad will need to step up.
“In terms of the squad we are bringing five or six players in overall to make sure we are ready for the upcoming season to compete at this level.
"We are after players who can produce on the park but also bring a positive attitude and can contribute to the atmosphere around the club.”
