John Scarborough leaves Faversham Town: He has been the most professional player that I’ve dealt with at this level, says boss Ray Turner

FAVERSHAM TOWN defender John Scarborough has paid tribute to manager Ray Turner after announcing he is leaving the club.

Scarborough, 37, says he is now steeping aside to make way for the younger players at Salters Lane.

Turner revealed former skipper Scarborough had acted as the perfect role model for players like Ryan Cheek, Dan Carrington, Steve Ratcliff and Mobolajo Dawodu.

But their form after stepping into the first team means Turner can no longer guarantee the fans’ favourite the match time he still wants.

Turner met Scarborough after the 7-1 home win over Chatham Town on Tuesday night to discuss his future and Scarborough is now free to talk to other clubs.

“I can’t thank Ray and Clive (Walker) enough for all they have done for me.  They have been a joy to play for,” Scarborough told the clubs website.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with the best managers in non-league over the years and Ray is right up there.  His attitude, application and passion for the club is immense.

“I was brought in to change the attitude and mindset among the players at the club, who perhaps weren’t looking beyond the Ryman South.

“Over the years I’ve been here there’s been an upward curve, and it’s been my role to help develop the young talent at the club and lead by example.

“But we’ve got a set of players here now who believe they are better than that and are only looking upwards to what they can achieve.

“I’m a believer that while games may not be won on the sidelines, they can certainly be lost there. Organisation and preparation is key to success.

“We’ve really seen the players step up and push on.  I’m moving with the satisfaction of a job well done, but I’ll still be around.

“I’ll miss everyone at the club from the manager and playing staff to the tea lady, ground staff and supporters.  They are the people that make the club as special as it is.”

Faversham Town host Egham Town in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on Saturday – the first time the club have reached this stage of the competition.

Turner thanked Scarborough for his valued contribution for the club.

“I want to thank John for everything he has done for this club,” said Turner.

“He has been instrumental in a highly successful period of the club’s history.

“I cannot speak highly enough of him and the way he conducts himself. He has been loyal and is passionate about this football club doing well.

“He has been the most professional player that I’ve dealt with at this level and it’s for that reason that he has been able to continue playing for so long.

“He has been a big influence on the young players and John agrees that we don’t want to stop the development of players like Ryan Cheek, Bola, Dan Carrington and Steve Ratcliff.

“I couldn’t offer him the starts that he wants any more, being a senior player.  The young players have stepped up and we are a club that needs to promote the youngsters.

“We’re not in a position to go out and spend fortunes on finished articles.  We have a policy of developing talent and giving them a chance to shine.

“So it’s the right time but it wasn’t an easy decision to make because John is and always will be, held in such high esteem here.

“He has plenty of offer another club and he is training with us while he finds one.”

During his time at the club, Scarborough played in a play-off final, a semi-final and a League Cup Final. 

His last game was to be Faversham’s 3-0 defeat against Tooting & Mitcham United last weekend.

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