I hope one day that I might even return as Mead's number one, says departing Rob Budd

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Terry Spillane says he’s disappointed that goalkeeper Rob Budd has decided to leave after three seasons at the club.

Spillane upset the goalkeeper after he signed Andy Walker, 33, who helped league rivals Harlow Town finish runners-up in the Ryman League Division One North table last season.



FUNDRAISER: Goalkeeper Rob Budd has explained why he has left Bayliss Avenue after three seasons playing for Thamesmead Town.
Photo: Thamesmead Town FC

Budd told www.thamesmeadtownfc.com: “Sadly, I have to say I am leaving Thamesmead – I’m gutted as I never wanted to go, but I feel I have no choice.

“I had some top, top times in the club’s colours in my three years here, with my first season, the year we won the play-offs probably my best ever which saw me voted into the team of the year which was a great honour.

“I’ve got to know a lot of great people in my time with the Mead from the players to the committee and the fans. Thanks for making me so welcome – it’s been an absolute pleasure!

“Even though I obviously don’t agree with the reasons that Terry has given as to why he had to sign Andy (Walker), I’ve no ill feeling towards him. He’s a top bloke and I’ve got on brilliantly with him during his time in charge at the club.

“I hope one day that I might even return as Mead’s number one, but if I don’t, Thamesmead will still be one of the first results that I look for on a Saturday afternoon and I hope that the club can push for promotion this year, which I’m sure they can.”

Budd was a popular player at the club, who helped raise funds for charity.

He said: “This is a great club and went out of its way to help me early three years ago when my sister Emma died of cancer and I honestly can’t thank those involved at the time – and since – for their support.

“On the back of that, I’d also like to thank everyone who contributed to our Clean Sheet Challenge last season.

“We’ve been able to raise a great deal of money for Cancer Research.  With the last few payments to come in, the total so far is over £1,000 for which, on behalf of my sister Emma who was taken from us by this terrible disease, I’d like to thank everyone involved and when we’ve got all the money, I’ll get the club to arrange a presentation to Cancer Research that I hope that I can attend.”

Spillane, who replaced the heroic Keith McMahon, has admitted his disappointment that he now only has one goalkeeper at Bayliss Avenue.

“Little bit upset that Buddy won’t stay and fight for his place, although I fully understand and to an extent back his decision,” said the Mead boss.

“He needs to play and not sit on our bench and I can understand that.

“He’s been great since I came to the club and I wish him well wherever he finishes up.”

Spillane, did, however, reveal some good news that full-back Jack Hopkins has re-signed for another season.

“It’s great for us to get Jack to stay on board,” he said.

“He’s a terrific player who I’ve only seen at half fitness so far. It’ll be great to have a fully fit Hoppo as he’s a huge asset to any team at our level.”

The Mead begin their pre-season campaign with a trip to Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne on Tuesday 14 July (7:45pm).

Meanwhile, Academy coach Hugo Langton left Thamesmead Town last night to maintain his coaching role at Bromley, which will now be a full-time position at the newly-promoted Vanarama National League club.

During his two seasons at Hayes Lane, Bromley have finished third and first in the Conference South.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.com