Henty sets record straight on skipper's exit

By David Watters

Tilbury

Tilbury manager Gary Henty has thanked former skipper Sam West for his services to the Dockers and admitted that releasing him was the toughest decision he has had to make since taking the helm at the Ryman North club.

West, pictured, was released last Thursday after making 155 appearances over five years at Chadfields. The 26-year-old former Billericay Town, Brentwood Town, Ilford and Witham Town defender had hoped to continue captaining manager Henty's side and said he wouldn't think twice about rejoining.

West made his Dockers debut in August 2010 and Henty also explained the reasons behind his decision in a statement released by the club over the weekend and Saturday's 1-0 home win over Chatham Town.

He said: "Firstly, I would like to thank Sam for his service to the club over the last five years. He has been a great servant for Tilbury Football Club.

"Unfortunately for Sam in recent weeks, he hasn't been able to attend matches and the players that have stepped in to his place have been performing fantastically well, winning four out five games and keeping four clean sheets. Therefore he has slipped down the pecking order.

"As a management team, we felt that it was unfair to string a player of Sam's ability along if opportunities to play may be limited in the weeks ahead so we decided to release him to find first team football elsewhere.

"We did this with the best interests of the player at heart and also knowing that our own club have enough strength in depth to cope. It was a very tough decision, the hardest I've had to make to date.

"Sam has also had a change in profession recently and was finding it hard to commit to a lot of the training sessions as of late. I hope this clears up any questions or issues and the club now has to move forward. We wish Sam the very best for the future."

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