Club captain Nathan Pond has penned an open message to the Fleetwood Town supporters following today’s news that he has left the club to join Salford City.
Today brings an end to a 15-year association for me at Fleetwood Town – and what a 15 years it’s been.
I still remember my debut at St Helens Town, where we lost 3-0 in front of 81 supporters. Back then I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams the journey that both myself and the football club would go on. I’ve enjoyed six promotions, playing in seven different divisions and playing at Wembley, when we were promoted to League One back in 2014.
I’ve played under six managers, Tony Greenwood, Micky Mellon, Graham Alexander, Steven Pressley, Uwe Rosler and John Sheridan, as well as playing with hundreds of players. Whilst a lot of faces have changed inside the dressing room, some haven’t outside. I’d like to thank the staff behind the scenes at the football club – especially the chairman Andy Pilley for his support over the years.
My next challenge at Salford City is one that I am excited about. Salford are a club – much like Fleetwood – who are highly ambitions and are desperate to get into the Football League like we were all those years ago. I’m hoping I can add another promotion to my CV!
My final message is to the supporters, who have backed me throughout my career at Highbury. It has been an honour to wear the shirt 498 times and represent the club, the town and the fans. I wish the club nothing but success for the future especially under the new manager next season.
Pondy