National League North side Southport snap-up Bangor City captain Roberts
Vanarama National League side Southport have swooped to sign Bangor City captain Gary Roberts after his departure from the Nantporth
The defender was released from Bangor City on Thursday afternoon after coming to an agreement that it would benefit both parties.
Alan Lewer who was a scout at Bangor City last season and has since become the Port’s new manager has identified a player he knows well as one of his new signings.
Robets last played for Witton Albion before signing for the Citizens. He had played for England’s U16 team up to the England U19 team back in 2005/2006.
In an interview with ITV back in May, Roberts said that he felt settled at Bangor City and was happy with life at Nantporth, after winning the Welsh Premier League play-offs.
“I feel more settled now, my life has turned round. I am settled at Bangor, and the owners look after me at Bangor.
“They’ve looked after me, took me under their wing and they get the best out of me on and off the pitch.”
The midfielder who slotted in the Bangor back-line last season was a key individual for the club last season in the right-back berth.
Unfortunately for Roberts, he missed six games of the season due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
Bangor City released a statement this afternoon, hours before their Europa League tie with Danish side Lyngby BK.
“The new Southport FC management team has pursued the player for the last few weeks.”
“No-one is bigger than Bangor City FC. It is a great club with a rich history and tradition, and when a player states in the week leading up to a massive European game that he no longer wants to play for the club, we were left with no alternative other than to release him from his contract.
“We wish him well for the future, and hope that one day he realises what a massive opportunity he has given up.
“We urge our supporters to keep the faith as we are trying to do the right things for this great club.”
Roberts joins a fellow Welsh Premier League player from last season in Alex Fletcher at Haig Avenue.
(Featured Image: EventPhotoWales)
How can anyone say that going to Stockport County, AFC Fylde or Southport is a welcome career move?
In absolute honesty the money offered is a massive carrot and as a guy whose got bills to pay it’s a simple decision. Let’s face it the clubs are in it for the money and will release mercilessly when they want to so why not us players too take a decision when it comes along ? The Citizens will always be close to my heart and will be the first result I look for on a Saturday but I’ve played and served th club to the best of my ability and was renumerated fairly in return. Like any guy who gets offered a job with better wages, substantially more it’s normally a no brainer. Playing against the same old teams 4 or 5 times a season is also a reason to move on to a strong growing league with a great club steeped in history with excellent fans. I really hope the lads at Bangor have a fantastic season and follow up last season’s success with an even better league position and hopefully some great cup run.
No regrets and anyone that has watched me play knows I always give my best and wear my heart on my sleeve.
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