Gary Stopforth is leaving Edgeley Park and is expected to sign for FC Colne later today.
Speaking to www.stockportcounty.com Gary says the pressures of balancing an increasing workload with the demands of training has become increasingly difficult and started to affect his performances.
He said: “I just fancy playing closer to home as we come towards the end of season. With County moving more towards a full-time set-up with extra training sessions, it’s been very difficult for me.
“I sit in traffic on my own for a four-hour round trip, three times a week, plus I’ve also been a bit unhappier since Ben McKenna left, because we used to travel in together and share the load.
“Sometimes I’m getting into training a few minutes late because of the traffic, and it’s not fair on the other lads. Colne is five minutes from me and my girlfriend, and it’ll give us a bit more time together.
“Colne is a nice project, it reminds me a lot of Ramsbottom when I was there, winning promotions and going on a journey, they’re quite ambitious, and although it’s stepping down a few levels, I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ll be 32 in September and with my window cleaning business, it’s quite a physical job but it’s also time-consuming, so something had to give.”
Gary says he has enjoyed his time playing under Jim Gannon and is planning to come back to see everyone before the summer. He said: “I don’t want to miss the end-of-season do! I really want to thank the fans, it’s been great playing in front of big crowds, scoring on the opening day of the previous season, winning four Man of the Match awards in succession, it’s been brilliant. But I’ve had two niggly injuries this season and it’s really set me back, so I think it’s time for a new challenge closer to home.
“I also want to thank Jim who has been great with me and very understanding about my situation.”
Jim Gannon said: “It was a surprise to receive a request from Gary to leave in such circumstances, but once he explained the personal and work pressures he was under, I reluctantly had to concede to the request.
“When Gary returned from Australia and got back up to speed with us he was one our outstanding players in the autumn period. However, the relentless pressures of training and match demands seem to have taken their toll over the winter period. I’ve always been very respectful of part-time players at this level, as it’s the highest level of football you can play whilst still continuing to balance that with a full-time job or business and personal and family time.
“As the demands of the league further increased this season, and the growing professionalism we seek requiring greater commitment to the club, then it’s understandable that some players find it difficult to keep pace with the change. Gary has taken the brave step at this stage to recognise himself, the importance of his work and relationships and, without losing his enthusiasm for football, just to find something a little bit closer to home and more manageable for his life.
“I would like to thank him for his exemplary appetite for the game and enthusiasm he brought at many times this season and we wish him well at Colne FC.”
The club has agreed to cancel Gary’s contract, so he can sign for Colne today.
