Simon Grand was signed by former Lancaster City manager Mark Fell at the start of the current season from Charnock Richard in the North West Counties Football League. Formerly with Chester, Barrow and Southport amongst other clubs, Simon established himself as a key part of Lancaster's defence in the early weeks of the season.

Against Ashton United in the FA Cup, he celebrated 700 career appearances, having already scored a memorable hat-trick in the same competition versus Marske United at the Giant Axe earlier in the campaign.

With six goals to his name, countless booming headers sent down the pitch and at least three attempted overhead kicks, one of which spectacularly found the back of the net, Simon leaves the club having led the team alongside Andrew Teague prior to the appointment of Chris Willcock.

We wish Simon and his wonderful family all the best for the future, most importantly we thank him for his contribution to Lancaster City.

Simon has moved to Bamber Bridge, so we will see him soon as his new side visit the Giant Axe in February for the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy Quarter-Final.