DROITWICH defensive duo Matt Hunt and Mike Seeley have announced their retirement after 14 years’ service between them, writes Callum Perry.
The pair took the decision after the club’s season was cut short while the team was 13 points clear at the top with just eight games to play.
Seeley, known as ‘Seels’ during his ten years at the club, has been the longest-serving Saltman.
The 31-year-old made more than 250 competitive appearances, has been captain and chipped in with vital goals to secure important victories.
In the 2015/16 season he lifted the President’s Cup and has won the Worcestershire Junior Cup on three occasions, as well as achieving three consecutive third-placed finishes in the league.
Centre-back Hunt, another holder of the captain’s armband during his four years at the club, scored 23 goals in all competitions, as well as being part of the Junior Cup-winning squad.
He said it was great to be part of the club and praised everyone for their support.
“I take away so many great memories – from scoring the club’s first ever goal in the FA Vase, that cup run, the winning goal in the County Cup Final in 2018/19 and of course captaining the team last season to an incredible position in the league.”
He thanked every player he shared the dressing room with, the board, volunteers and supporters.
“There is a fantastic bunch of lads there who will continue to push the club forward.”
He said he was looking forward to watching and supporting the team in the future.
Manager Mark Owen wished them the best for the future and said: “On behalf of myself, Crowth and the rest of the club, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Matt Hunt and Mike Seeley for everything they have done to help the club be where it is today.
“They are both big characters both on and off the field, who will no doubt will be missed.”
TWO prolific strikers have been made captain and vice-captain at Droitwich.
James Lemon and Connor Collins scored 53 goals between them in 27 competitive games for the Saltmen during the 2019/20 season.
Lemon, who will take the armband for next season, said he was delighted with the management’s decision, adding captaining the club was an honour.
“I’ll be proud to lead this team of players out and, with the dressing room that we have, I’m confident we should have a successful season.”
Manager Owen congratulated the new captain and said: “We’ve looked at the options in the squad and we felt James is at the next step in his career to take on more responsibility both on and off the pitch.
“Everyone knows what to expect from James week in, week out – he provides a great example of hard and is a player his team-mates will look up to.”
Collins added it was a huge privilege for him to become vice-captain.
