FOUR Spennymoor Town favourites are to leave the club, with Gavin Cogden announcing his retirement from the game.

But both Cogden and Chris Mason are expected to remain at the Brewery Field, with new roles for the pair.

Chairman Brad Groves said: “Such has been their influence, we are creating new roles within the club for each of them. These will involve work with the first team as well as the ladies’ team and our flourishing academy set up at Spennymoor Town Youth.

“We did not want to lose them from our set up and we want them to continue to play a role in the club’s progression for years to come.”

Shane Henry and Andrew Johnson, with a decade of service between them, will be leaving, with Henry joining Stockton Town.

Boss Jason Ainsley said: “AJ was hampered with injury last year, but that doesn’t detract from what he has achieved with us. After discussions, all parties felt that it was time for him to move on and take on a new challenge elsewhere.

“In Shane we are also losing a great character in and around the dressing room and someone who is a very good friend of mine.

“His whole-hearted performances with us will always be remembered and he has been a massive driving force in our midfield.

“Shane feels at this time in his career it’s the right time to move on and return to his hometown team Stockton Town, where he grew up playing, and I respect his wishes.’’

Of Cogden, Ainsley admitted: “Despite a few years away from the club, Brad and I brought him back at the start of last season as we knew he would be an asset both on and off the field.

“Gav is responsible for one of the greatest moments in our recent history. I’ll always remember him scoring the opening goal of the match in the FA Vase final at Wembley with a well-placed header and celebrating on the hallowed turf while representing this club.’’