Three key departures from Hebburn Town after Northern Premier League title win
There have been three key departures from Hebburn Town as they prepare for life in the National League North.
Top goalscorer Gary Martin, long-serving forward Olly Martin and midfielder Arron Thompson have all departed Hebburn Town as the Northern Premier League champions begin their preparations for a historic season in the National League North.
Daniel Moore’s side were crowned as champions in the aftermath of a 2-0 win against Rushall Olympic last month that secured a first ever season in the second tier of the non-league game. However, the Hornets have wasted little time in kickstarting their planning for the new campaign after the confirmed details of their retained list ahead of what is certain to be a hectic summer at the Trustmark Group Stadium.
35-year-old striker Martin joined the club last summer from Bishop Auckland and enjoyed a stunning campaign as he plundered his way to 26 goals to fire the Hornets to promotion and secure the Northern Premier League Premier Division golden boot in the process. He confirmed his departure on social media as he posted: “Came as nobody, left as a champion at Hebburn Town. Beyond grateful but the time has to move on from this amazing family club. I’ll never forget the moments”
The departure of Hornets stalwart Olly Martin is an emotional one as the versatile forward has played a key role in the club’s rise up the non-league pyramid. The forward joined his hometown club in June 2019 and scored the winning goal in a dramatic FA Vase final win against Consett just under two years later as well as helping Hebburn to a Durham Challenge Cup final win, three promotions and two league titles during his time in yellow and black.
In a social media post, the FA Vase final match-winner said: “Seven years at Hebburn Town FC comes to an end. This wasn’t an easy decision to make by any means but I think I have more to offer elsewhere, wherever that may be. Seen the absolute lot in this time and made even better doing it with your best mates. Memories that will stay with me forever, from Wembley to winning multiple leagues and cups. Big thanks to everyone around the club from the volunteers, owners and people who came to watch. Been a pleasure, onto the next one.”
Talks ongoing
Hebburn have also confirmed captain Aidan Heywood, midfielder Robert Briggs and defensive duo Jack Donaghy and Matty Elsdon remain under contract for the new season and options to extend the deals of Ethan Wood and Callum Dobson have been exercised. Michael Turner, Liam Murray, Joe Oliver, Joao Gomes, Gildo da Silva and Matty Cornish are in talks over new contracts and could extend their time with the Hornets if an agreement can be found and loan signings Campbell Darcy and Jake Waters have returned to their parent clubs. Hartlepool United youngster Darcy remains in talks with the National League club over a possible new deal and the Sunderland Echo have reported Waters is set to leave Sunderland as his contract comes to an end.
Speaking to The Gazette last month, the Black Cats youngster reflected positively on his time with Hebburn and admitted he was uncertain what could lie ahead. He said: “It’s been amazing from the minute I came here, everyone was welcoming, it’s a real team with everyone playing for each other and it’s just been amazing. This spell has been an experience to remember. It’s meant a lot to me, they have been some of the biggest games I’ve played in during my career. It couldn’t have gone any better and I have really enjoyed it. I don’t know what comes next, I’m just going to enjoy tonight and we will see.”
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