Bristol Manor Farm Football Club would like to place on hold its sincerest thanks to Steve Kingdon who departed The NL Services Stadium after seven seasons of service, and wishes him all the best in his move to Nailsea & Twickenham.
Best known to the Farmy Army as ‘Kinger’, the central defender was manager Lee Lashenko’s first signing as Manor Farm prepared for life in the 2017/18 Southern League season. After hitting the ground running, Lashenko’s side rarely slipped outside the top six in their first season at Step 4, with the former Tivvy captain, Kinger, sat in the heart of the club’s defence.
There were some magical days and nights on the Farm for Kinger, from exuberant runs in the Emirates FA Cup, before the division was curtailed by the global pandemic, to helping the club reach its first Southern League play-off final in 2021/22.
Speaking to the club, Manager Lee Lashenko expressed his gratitude towards the departing Kingdon: “It has to be said that Kinger has been one of my best signings that I have made during my time as Manager. His professionalism and character over the years has been key to our success and I’m thankful for everything he’s done for the club.
“I needed someone I could rely on to perform at the level when we first moved up to the Southern League, and Steve has proven to be a terrific defender for us. He leaves us for pastures new at Nailsea & Tickenham, and the newly-promoted side will have a fantastic person join their club in the Western League,” Lashenko expressed.
After seven seasons, nine goals, and plenty of ups and downs, we thank you Kinger for the “last, last dance” and wish you nothing but the best.