Following the players return to pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 season, Steeton AFC can today confirm the departure of eight members of last season’s squad.
Dan Illingworth, Josh Walne, Ciaran Fleming, Sam Lloyd, Ollie Kirkpatrick, Manny Amole, Cale Gomersall Jr, and Onyeike Nimely, have departed Marley Stadium over the summer.
Veteran defender Dan Illingworth joined shortly after the start of the last campaign from Campion.
Making 25 appearances during his one season with us, the centre-back contributed one assist prior to having his season prematurely ended by suspension following a red card in March’s defeat to Ashton Town.
‘Illo’ has since joined Step 7 side Field Olympic ahead of next season.
Bringing the curtain down on his second spell in green and white is Josh Walne.
Re-joining the club last autumn after a brief spell away with Nelson, the utility man left Steeton shortly before the end of the season.
Across his two spells at Marley, Walne made a total of 73 appearances, scoring one goal, and contributing three assists.
Only joining the club in late February from Field, midfielder Ciaran Fleming leaves to pursue an opportunity with a club at Step 5.
Making 8 appearances following his debut away at Holker, Fleming scored a solitary goal in the defeat to Maghull on the final day of the season.
Left-back Sam Lloyd initially joined from Darwen in October, following in brother Charlie’s footsteps in representing their hometown club.
A return of one goal and one assist came from his 20 appearances for the club.
The next player to depart the club is Ollie Kirkpatrick, who suffered a season ending ACL injury in August’s victory away at Thornton Cleveleys.
The defender has relocated to Newcastle and therefore leaves Marley following seven appearances, which includes one goal in a 3-3 draw against Bacup Borough.
Similar to Walne, Manny Amole also brings the curtain down on his second spell with the Chevrons.
The attacking midfielder marked his second debut, and sole appearance in 2024/25, with a goal in February’s comprehensive away victory against Skelmersdale United.
However, travel and work commitments took their toll, and he has departed to find a club closer to home in Manchester.
Youngster Cale Gomersall Jr also leaves following a short spell.
Arriving in March from Farsley Celtic, the teenager recorded three appearances all from the substitutes bench.
He leaves Marley to pursue an opportunity with a club at Step 5.
The final player to depart the club is Onyeike Nimely as he returns to Bradford Park Avenue following the conclusion of his dual-registration spell with the club.
Steeton AFC would like to place on record its thanks to all eight players who have departed the club and wish them the best in all their future endeavours.
Regarding the remainder of last season’s squad, Brad Emmerson has committed his future to the club as announced at the beginning of June with more announcements to come ahead of the start of the competitive season.
