Wealdstone boss hails departing duo

Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett has paid tribute to two long-serving players who have decided to leave the club.

Lee Chappell and Chris O’Leary have both joined St Albans City, managed by former Stones player James Gray.

Defender Chappell played in more than 350 games for Wealdstone over two spells, first signing for the club in 2005, while midfielder O’Leary made the short switch from Uxbridge in 2006.

They made the decision to move on after the Stones lost in the Ryman Premier Division play-off semi-finals.

Bartlett said: “I am obviously disappointed to lose quality players like Lee and Chris and their influence will certainly be missed both on and off the pitch.

“Both players feel the time is right to look for a new challenge and I totally understand their sentiments.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I thank them for their loyalty and commitment over the last few seasons and wish them all the best in their future careers.”

Bartlett insisted the departures was not part of an orchestrated break up of the squad which came so close to securing promotion to the Conference South.

He added: “Losing the play-off after playing so well was a painful finish to last season but we now have to look forward.

“We have made huge progress over the past few seasons with a real feel-good factor around the football club.

“Standards and expectations have been set high and these departures will obviously give opportunities for other players to come into the squad and aim to improve on recent progress.”

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