Pre-season training commences tonight for Leek Town but there will be a familiar face missing, popular midfielder Niall Maguire has decided to retire from semi- pro football.

Niall informed the Club at the end of last season but no announcement was made as Club officials were hoping he may change his mind.

Maguire was signed by Lee Casswell in September 2013 and has been a constant in the side since that time, making 245 appearances and scoring 28 goals - playing under Lee Casswell, Ant Danylyk and Neil Baker.

Over his five year period with the Club Niall has featured in all three play off sides and was one of a handful of players who stayed in the 2015/16 after the side was raided by Nantwich and Kidsgrove. In the current climate it is rare for a player to show such loyalty.

Jon Eeles, Chairman, joked "I had been trying to get in contact with Niall over the summer but he had lost his phone, when I eventually caught up with him I told him it was a great tactic to stop other teams contacting him - his reply was "You know me, true Blue". I will certainly miss him as along with Tim Grice and Darren Chadwick he has been a constant at the Club since I became Chairman."

Niall commented "I want to thank everyone for their kind words, I really appreciate it, I have a lot of great memories with Leek and I will miss the fans and the boys. But yes, my time to finish has come I'm afraid - I have a young family and I want to spend more time with them, and if not for that you would be stuck with me for a while. I'll be down this season with my lad so I will be seeing you all soon."

A true gentlemen, remaining classy to the end.

Please join the Club in thanking Niall for his service.

Leek TV will hopefully be bringing you an interview in due course.