Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Richard Tracey says he was sad to see striker Jimmy Eyles recently leave Emley AFC.
Former Ossett Town, Shaw Lane and Nostell Miners Welfare forward Eyles ended his almost four-year association with Emley after the win over Handsworth at the beginning of February.
Tracey said Eyles, whose goals helped Emley reach their holy grail of the Premier Division last year, departs with their best wishes.
“Jimmy has been fantastic for Emley,” Tracey told Non League Yorkshire.
“We all know the quality he brings with his movement.
“He stretches teams and he’s scored goals for us.
“It has been one of those frustrating years for him where he has played well and we have not been playing well.
“Then we’ve been playing well and when you’re on top of teams, you lose some of Jimmy’s qualities of running in behind because teams are defending the box.
“It has just not quite panned out in the way he hoped.
“He got quite a lengthy injury with his ankle so it has been a frustrating year and at his age he’s just said he wants to go out and get guaranteed regular first team football.
“That’s his decision and we fully support him and respect his decision.
“We still saw him as an important member of our team and squad but he’s given us everything for the last few years and I have nothing but respect for him.”
His departure is particularly a sad moment for Tracey as they have worked together for a number of years, stretching back to their days at Ossett Albion.
“Jimmy isn’t just a footballer for Emley, I have worked with him at Ossett and in my eyes he’s a great friend,” he said.
“We don’t live too far apart and we know we’ll catch up and have a beer as I do with some other ex-players.”