Thackley manager Vince Brockie made departing striker Nicky Matthews captain for his last game with the Dennyboys.

But last Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 loss at title-chasing Winterton Rangers was not how he would have liked his long spell at the club to end.

Matthews’ exit comes hot on the heels of another player who has left for pastures new not too far away.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “Vinny made Nicky skipper for the day with it being his last game but we can’t blame that for a bad performance.

“We will miss Nicky and his goals but we all wished the lad well and hope he makes it in the higher division.

“We also lost another lad but people who only see us on a Saturday will not recognise his name.

“Mike Garrod lived in the Chester area but was studying in Bradford and stayed here during the week. He could only play now and again so he got the nickname ‘midweek Mike’ and the lads used to have a bit of fun with that.

“Mike is not just a good player but a very talented coach as well and he was always involved with our under-19s squad. He always seemed happy at the club but he has gone to Silsden.

“I don’t know if his living arrangements have changed and he is available for Saturdays or if he still goes home at weekends but either way Silsden have got a very good lad.”