I sit here writing my final blog, sipping on a latte in the middle of a busy Costa Coffee.

I'm not doing it here to look like one of those geeks who think they're cool and sophisticated, yet annoy everyone by tapping away loudly on their MacBooks. I'm doing this as I know if I sit writing this in my flat alone, I might get a lump in my throat. This way, in public, I know I'll have to man up a little and pull myself together :-)

As you are all aware the current team we have are getting split up quite significantly this summer. This is a team which has gone back the best part of three or four years, quite successful ones I'd like to think you'd all agree.

From Gary Bollan starting of the resurrection off and doing so brilliantly in back to back promotions, to John Hughes, Gareth Evans and John Collins maintaining our progress to now Richie Burke and Mark Burchill taking the reigns and looking to further enhance the club.

It's a case of our with old and in with the new now and it's a sad time but all part and parcel of football. None of us has any hard feelings. All we have is memories, fantastic ones at that, and medals, something many people try their whole career to win yet come away with nothing.

If you think the championships won were meaningless or "easy", tell that to the boys who showcase them proudly, like I do for all to see and tell the stories that come attached with them.

For me personally, I would like to thank everyone at the club for their help and support over the years. I was very fortunate, and I'm still grateful, to come to this club after a part of my career which can only described as horrendous.

I kept very tight lipped on the issue, for my own personal pride and self respect. I didn't go to the papers or do any stories. I maintained my dignity. I went through the courts silently as I fought for justice. I felt isolated beyond belief, kicked to the curb with a career ending injury at 22, offered no help, offered no finance or rehabilitation.

I went from that to being part of a squad like no other I've ever experienced; the closeness, the bond, the camaraderie and the friendliness. I consider myself extremely privileged to have been part of this squad over the years, to have been welcomed with open arms and to feel appreciated again. Over the three years I've not only met great people, but I've met friends for life.

The one friend and teammate who deserves a special mention is our captain, Liam Fox.

This guy has total and utter respect from every single one of his teammates. When Foxy talks, people listen. Foxy has played a record number of games for the club which is a massive achievement. But, what people don't realise bout this record is this, Foxy made these appearances under TWELVE different managers! 12!!

Now, you'd think at least one of them would take some sort of dislike to Foxy, have some sort of issue with him as a person or as a player��? Nope, none at all did. The fact that Foxy has played so many games under so many managers not only tells you about the kind of person he is, but more importantly, what kind of footballer he is. What kind of captain he is even more so! He can be trusted, he's the one you want by your side when things aren't going right but even more so when things are.

Foxy deserves a great farewell today and I hope you can all join in and show your support to a man who has devoted a lot of his time to this football club. It might have been easier for him to walk away when things got tough, like everyone else did, but thats not in Foxy's nature. He's a fighter, and he played a massive part in showing that fight in getting the club back up from the Third division in record timing to where they belong.

He deserves a good send off. We know the players appreciate his efforts, I hope you fans do too. Any team will be lucky to have him.

Thanks again for the good times, 112 games, eight goals and over a thousand memories and stories. Good luck to the boys that remain at the club and good luck to Ritchie and Burchy.

For the last time, stay classy

Mango Barr
#livingwithmango