Departing Gregory hails 'brilliant' Stratford Town supporters

RICHARD Gregory has thanked Stratford Town’s supporters following his switch to local rivals Leamington.

The 27-year-old spent three-and-a-half successful years at the DCS Stadium, after signing from Boldmere St Michaels in July 2013.

The move was always going to be a tempting one for the striker, with the Brakes riding high at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division as they target a return to National League North.

Gregory said: “I’ve had nothing but kind messages from the fans, who have been brilliant.

“It’s amazing to know you’re really loved and I wish everyone at the club all the best.

“It was a very hard decision for me to make. I’ve had a great time at Stratford and I've got nothing but good things to say about the club.”

Gregory reserved special praise for his former boss Carl Adams, who took a bit of a gamble when signing him from Boldmere in 2013.

“I’m so grateful to Carl for everything he’s done for me," said Gregory.

“When Carl brought me to Stratford I was a nobody and I’ve got so much to thank him for.

“We are good friends and I’ll miss him, but I’ve decided to move on and I’ve got to get my head down. It's time to start being a bit selfish and put myself first."

Adams was disappointed to see the back of his top scorer, but insists the club are continuing to make "great strides forward."

“There’s no animosity – I wish him all the best,” said the Town boss.

“He’s been great for me and great for the club. We just have to move on now.

“It’s just a shame it’s to our local rivals and that probably makes it worse than it should be.

“People have to remember we are aiming to be like Leamington. A few years ago, it was a big occasion just to play them in a pre-season friendly, now we're playing in the same division as them.

“We are making great strides forward and it’s not an embarrassment to lose players to a club like that.”