Shipley granted testimonial for long service

“Not only was Steve a great player for the team, but also a great ambassador for the club.” John Hilditch

Planters' long time servant Steve Shipley has been granted a testimonial by the club.

His first club, Cambridge City will provide the opposition, with the Lillywhites' manager Robbie Nightingale set to bring his full first team for the game. The game will take place on Tuesday, August 8, kick-off 7.45pm.

Steve has decided to finish his playing career after a succesful first season for the Planters in the Isthmian North Division after the stalwart helped the club to back to back ECL titles. He joined the Planters at the start of the 2005-06 season and made 562 appearances scoring 29 goals.

Planter's chairman, John Hilditch, said "Not only was Steve a great player for the team, but also a great ambassador for the club. As captain he looked after the teams subs to enable trips abroad and numerous get togethers at the races etc. He was always reliable and seldom missed a game through his many years at the club."

Cambridge City Vice-Chairman Terry Dunn said "We are delighted to be asked to be opponents for the testimonial match of Steve Shipley. Many of our supporters will remember him from his time at City and I know that many of them will be keen to make the trip to recognise his achievements for Norwich United".

City will be playing their football in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central after relegation last season, so this promises to be an interesting game with both sides in full pre-season preperation.

Steve has decided to donate the money raised from the game to East Anglia's Childrens' Hospices (EACH).

The club would like to thank Steve for his long service to the club, Plantation Park will never be the same again. We hope that the Norfolk footballing public will turn out in big numbers on August 8 to give Steve the send off he deserves and help raise money for an excellent cause.

Updated 13:45 - 2 Sep 2019 by Norman Bygrave