DARLINGTON manager Martin Gray last night dropped a bombshell by revealing that captain Gary Brown is being put on the transfer list at his own request.

With Quakers about to go into the Evo-Stik Premier Division, more of the opposition are based further afield and the talismanic defender has informed Gray he is not able to commit to the travelling.

This week his partner, Aimee, gave birth to their second child, Esmèe Bea Clarkson, and before this evening’s friendly at Gateshead, a 2-0 defeat, Brown made the difficult decision to leave a club where he is among the supporters’ favourites.

He has been Gray’s captain for three years, the whole-hearted defender twice leading the club to promotion, while it is his unquestioned commitment to the cause which earned him the respect of Quakers' supporters.

The Northern Echo understands that Brown was close to tears when discussing his decision with Darlington’s management team.

“He is leaving for family reasons, he can’t do the travelling,” explained Gray, who said he will work quickly in order to replace the player.

“He came to me and to explain the situation and I admire him for it. It’s a big decision and I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He’s been a stalwart for me, a leader. He’s improved as a player in his time with us, he’s improved his discipline and he’s been superb for us, he really has.

“I’m disappointed, I am. It’s sad, but that’s that football. He’s shown decency towards me by giving me time to bring in a player before the season starts, but he’s got to do what’s right for him.

“He’s been amazing for me and he will be sadly missed.”

Late on Friday Brown used Twitter to say: "Thanks for everything, to everyone connected with the club. I have loved every second of it. Family has to come first though. Love you all."

Brown, from Brandon, missed the majority of the 2013-14 season due to a serious ankle injury sustained in pre-season against Gateshead, but made 101 appearances for the club in all competitions.

His last was the play-off final win over Bamber Bridge in May, when he played right-back, where he was used throughout last season, but it is as a centre-half where he has played most of his football, including his first season with Quakers when he led the team to promotion from the Northern League in record-breaking style.

 

 

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