Defender Tom Strawbridge has announced his retirement from Guernsey FC.
The centre-back has been involved with the club since its birth in 2011. He took a break for our second season but returned towards the end of the campaign to help the squad during a relentless schedule of 20 games in 30 days due to the Green Lions making it to the FA Vase semi-final, adding to issues with the pitch at Footes Lane.
He had a break of a couple more seasons later on in his career as he played a pivotal role in back-to-back Priaulx League titles with Rovers, wearing the captain’s armband as the Port Soif side defended their crown.
He returned to GFC for the start of the 2019-20 campaign and his experience was vital to the squad over two seasons either side of the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Strawbs’ ends his GFC career with 140 appearances to his name and four goals, the most memorable of which came only last season when he headed home a stoppage-time winner to earn a vital three points against Chalfont St Peter.
He announced the decision to his GFC team-mates last week after taking the summer to mull over his decision, and confirmed it publicly on social media ahead of the weekend’s opening game against Thatcham Town.
Having started playing senior football aged just 16, the 33-year-old admits the physical demands of a long career have taken their toll.
“Last season showed me that my body is starting to give up with the amount of miles I have on the clock,” Strawbridge told GuernseyFC.com. “I’m very proud to have played for the club from the very start and those early successful days will always be incredibly fond memories.
“It’s not been without it’s challenges and disappointments, but I have made many lifetime friendships and am so grateful to the club, fellow players, both past and present, all staff, board members and of course supporters for putting up with me over the years!”
Everyone at Guernsey thanks Tom for his contribution to the club and wishes him the best of luck for the future.
