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Since joining the Moatmen in 1990 Richard has stuck with the club through thick and thin wining the Dr Martens Premier Division title and then staying with the club as they faced the disappointment of relegation to the Western Division. He has played in almost every position on the pitch and has been described by John McGinlay as a most valuable player to have.

"He is a good clubman and never moans when I ask him to play in various positions he just gets on with it and gives 100 percent. It's absolutely unbelievable in this day and age to have someone show such loyalty to one club, it's fantastic. He's a nice lad and is worth two or three players in respect that he can play in more than one position- he's indispensable."

Chairman Mark Evans said, "Richard was here long before I came to the club. Since I've been here he has served the club well, he's a great ambassador for us. When Brian Kenning left he certainly helped me out and he has shown me that football players do not have to be good in just one position. I think the only position I've not seen him play in has been in goal. He is a good club member who always does his best and he deserves all his success."

Allcock moves

John Allcock has moved to Barwell and is described by John McGinlay as a big loss for the club.

The 29 year-old former Barnsley, Rotherham United and Ilkeston Town midfielder was persuaded to join Barwell after his injury problems and lack of fitness denied him a regular place in the Gresley team.

Allcock has only managed 11 games since joining Gresley due to a hamstring injury and has decided his legs are not up to the pace of playing at this level.

"John said he wants to play in a back three, and although we may do that at times, it will be done on my terms not just to accommodate people. He is not fit enough to play in midfield and so he decided by dropping down a level to help him get regular games. It's a shame he's gone. He has done well for us and was a good influence both on and off the park," said the Moat boss.

McGinlay warned that John's departure might not be the last from the Moat Ground in the coming weeks.

"We are going to have to let a few players go anyway because we are at our limit financially and Allcock's departure has probably saved someone else. We have too many players in some positions and we need to do a bit of pruning," explained McGinlay.

Stuart Evans came through a training session without any problems and looks likely to start tomorrow's game against Solihull Borough.

Both Chris Parkins (calf) and Ian Bluck (ankle) have recovered from their knocks and are vying for a place but Ryan Ford, who is on his third and final month's loan from Notts County, will miss the Solihull game due to a car accident he was involved in returning home after the cancelled match on Boxing day.

"His car is a write off and Ryan has suffered whip-lash, cuts and shock. We don't know how long he will be out for but he will definitely miss tomorrow's game," said McGinlay.

With Ford missing Andy Bourne will probably be asked to drop back into the right side of midfield with McGinlay choosing from Parkins, himself, Michael Moore and Chris White to go up front.

McGinlay has been impressed with his recent new signings. Moore scored on his debut at Gloucester City and White, he said, showed some good touches when he came on as a substitute.

"It's a big game for us. Solihull have an impressive away record but we beat them at their place and it would be good to do the double over them. We need to try and keep winning games and continue to climb the table."