[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In preparation for the 2023/24 season, Manager Lee Lashenko and his back room staff’s plans continue to gather at pace, but first the club must announce the following players who will be departing The Creek this summer.
Firstly, Bristol Manor Farm Football Club would like to wish Ben John the very best in his decision to take a step away from Southern League football. Johnsey, as he is widely referred to on the Farm, has been one of the most influential players that has pulled on the shirt since signing in 2018/19 season. We’ve shared so many great memories with Johnsey, from his long-ranged goal against Thatcham to our unforgettable play-off campaign in the 2021/22 season, and we know that he will be sorely missed around the matchday setup.
One moment which Ben reflects on is of course the funeral for Geoff Sellek, where he helped carry the coffin with his former teammates.
“That moment was an extremely honourable one, as I was so proud to have been chosen by the football club and his family,” Ben said.
“Since I joined, I know I’ve made some mistakes, but I also know that I’ve saved Manor Farm in times where we’ve needed it.
“I’m proud to have kept the most clean sheets for a goalkeeper at this club in one Southern Legue season (15), and obviously scoring from my own penalty area was another special moment.”
Alongside Ben’s footballing career he manages his ‘Coffee Box’ business, and we know that Bristol Manor Farm and the wider Bristol community will continue to support that in many years to come.
The second player to announce his departure from The Creek this evening is striker Owen Howe.
Whenever we’ve listed Owen in the matchday squad, we could always rely on him to come up trumps with a goal in times that mattered most. His goal-to-game record speaks for itself, and to have scored 51 goals in all competitions across the last two years speaks for itself, and we want to wish Owen the very best with his future endeavours.
“I want to thank the my teammates, the club, and most importantly the gaffer, Lee,” Owen said.
“In moments where I had no one to turn to, Lee always had my back and I’m so grateful to have his full support in spells as a player.
“We’ve always had an amazing setup in my time at the club, and of course, playing for Geoff Sellek’s club was a real privilege.
“Thank you to the supporters for being absolutely amazing and I wish the club all the best,” Howe expressed.
Bristol Manor Farm Football Club would like to extend their gratitude and respect to Club Captain, Jake Gosling, who will also depart The Creek due to work and travel commitments.
Since the club’s progression to Step 4, we’ve always worked hard to attract big name players – and the introduction of Jake certainly epitomised that. Following his successful stint as a Bristol Rovers player across the National League, League Two and League One, we couldn’t have been more proud to have him feature in our colours across the past two years. From his first goal away to rivals Mangotsfield to scoring away at eventual-champions Plymouth Parkway in his inaugural 2021/22 season, Gosling was named Captain and helped lead the side to safety in dramatic fashion on the final day.
“I honestly want to say a massive thank you to Lee for bringing me to this amazing football club,” Gosling said.
“It’s been a privilege to play under Lee and with the great squad of players during my time here.
“It’s such a well run club with some amazing people, but unfortunately with all the travelling and my full-time role, I can’t commit my future to this club.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the fans for supporting me every step of the way,” Gosling said.
As the club wishes the aforementioned players the very best with their future moves, Manager Lashenko will be announcing his first new signing within the next 48 hours… [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]