Market Drayton Town boss Simon Line holds what he expects to be a farewell chat with star defender Jared Hodgkiss today, on the eve of the club’s big home FA Trophy clash with Bamber Bridge.
Hodgkiss, who has been gaining match fitness with Town since being released by West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season, is poised to make his anticipated move back to higher grade football.
“He doesn’t want to leave us - he’s a great lad and has done brilliantly for us on and off the field - but he feels the time has come for him to pick up his career as a professional player,” said Line.
“There’s a very slim chance he might be able to play one more game for us but on Friday I think he’ll be telling me he’s moving on.”
The 23 year-old, who gained Premiership experience with Albion, has been considering offers from a clutch of League and League clubs, plus a lucrative option in Holland.
He’s had trials with a number of south coast clubs but wants to stay closer to home in the Midlands. More recently he’s been training with Football Conference side Forest Green as well as Town.
Line paid tribute to Hodgkiss’s contribution during his time at Greenfields by highlighting his performance in Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Chasetown in a tough UniBond League South derbv clash.
“Coming after the disappointment of Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat by Gainsborough, it was one of those games when all the lads had to stand up and be counted,” said Line.
“Jared missed the Trinity game because he could not become cup-tied but he readily came in on Tuesday and, although he knew he was on his way, battled away in a tremendous effort by the team.
“His commitment was, as ever, immense. His sheer ability obviously marks him out as pretty special at our level but it’s his fantastic attitude that will always assure him a very warm welcome here and our best wishes for the future.”
Line also praised young Drayton-born keeper Andrew Spooner, again on stand-by to deputise for Town’s injured skipper Andrew Pryce tomorrow who is still suffering with a knee problem.
“He’s coming on tremendously well this season and the defence deserves praise too for protecting and encouraging him,” added Line.
Gary Anslow is expected to play tomorrow after recovering from the bout of food poisoning that sidelined him on Tuesday. But Stuart Ellis is still waiting to see a specialist after a scan on his knee injury while Jay Lawrence misses out with a groin strain.
Bamber Bridge visit tomorrow (3pm) having lost only one UniBond League North game.
And there’s another attractive game at Greenfields on Tuesday when Leek, who have only recently slipped from top spot in the UniBond League South are the vistors for a top of the table clash. Kick off 7.45pm.
