Spalding United manager Chris Rawlinson has paid tribute to Matt Varley after the veteran midfielder decided the time was right to leave the club.
Varley, signed by former boss Dave Frecklington back in the summer of 2016, was a key figure in the Tulips team that finished third in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South last season.
The combative midfielder, famed for his long throws, has also been a regular for Spalding this term as they bid to emulate that success.
But, having sat out Saturday’s 2-0 win over Chasetown (see page 37) because of suspension, Rawlinson said that Varley contacted him to let him know he’d decided to leave.
The Tulips chief, who is very thankful for all that the Nottinghamshire-based ace has done for the club, doesn’t expect his former player to join another step four club.
Indeed, he feels it’s likely that Varley is now winding down a little and may even look to work on weekends.
“I think Matt did a lot of thinking on Saturday,” said Rawlinson. “He seems to be looking towards the future.
“He spoke about possibly working at the weekend and felt he could no longer commit to football at our level.
“He also travels an awful long way to come here, so you have to factor that in.
“Of course, Matt will be a massive miss in the dressing room. He’s a big character.
“He’s been brilliant for as long as I’ve been at Spalding United and we thank him for all that he’s done.
“The reality is that life goes on. We have to thank Matt for all that he’s done and move on to something different.
“I don’t think we’ve scored from one of his long throws for a long time anyway!
“I’m not sure we really need to replace him directly, we’re well stocked in midfield.
“We’ve been evolving the team a little this season and Matt leaving means we’ll need to do so again.”
Without Varley, Spalding are preparing for the always tricky trip to Market Drayton Town this Saturday (3pm).
The Tulips went top of the table with a 3-2 win at Greenfields Sports Ground last September – and could move into the top three if they can emulate that success this weekend.
Rawlinson is expecting a tricky test with defender Bradley Maslen-Jones also banned, but could welcome back key defender Paul Walker to the starting line-up and a lengthy lay-off.
And, with attackers Cenk Acar, Gary King and Jamie Jackson all in-form, he admits his fourth-placed
Tulips are have responded to their heavy defeats against Newcastle Town (6-1) and Cleethorpes Town (3-0) last month superbly.
He said: “Since those Bank Holiday weekend defeats, I couldn’t really have asked for more from the team.
“We’ve defended very well and look dangerous in attack.
“If you’d have told me we’d have been so solid – those two games aside – after losing Nathan Stainfield in the summer, I’d have bitten your hand off.
“In attack, Cenk Acar and Jamie Jackson are a dual threat, while Gary King has been great. I’ve always rated him and, with the right partner, I knew he’d do well.
“He’s really added more goals to his game and – if he hadn’t missed a penalty –he’d be joint top scorer in the league.
“Market Drayton will be tough and we’ll need to match them in every department. It’s always a hard place to go and it’s a long old trip.”
Spalding also play host to unbeaten Basford United on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
