Goalkeeper Dan Swan has decided to leave Bourne Town Football Club
Goalkeeper Dan Swan has admitted ending his time at Bourne Town was the hardest footballing decision he's ever had to make.
Swan has decided to call time on his spell at the JJ Mac Stadium after helping Bourne win promotion to step four of the non-league pyramid.
The commitment required to play in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division was too much for the popular custodian with his work and family responsibilities.
He explained: "It hasn't been an easy decision - in fact the hardest in football that I've ever had to make.
"But, with a heavy heart, I've chosen to retire from this incredible club where we have achieved great things together and got the club back to the heights it deserves to be.
"My decision is solely down to my growing family and my work and I know with the commitment needed next year at step four football that I will not be able to fully commit the time that's needed."
Swan joined the Wakes from neighbours Deeping Rangers and went on to make more than 130 appearances for the club.
He kept 51 clean sheets and had a 73 percent win ratio in games for Bourne who he helped win the United Counties League Division One title.
Swan then played a pivotal part in Bourne's United Counties League Premier Division North promotion-winning campaign last term where the Wakes also enjoyed a club record-breaking run in the FA Vase.
His performances in penalty shoot-outs came to the fore throughout the campaign and he saved the spot kick to secure promotion in their victory over Boston Town in the play-off final.
Swan added: "Pulling on a Bourne Town shirt every week and becoming part of the club's history has been a pleasure.
"I have no doubt that it is the best club I've ever played for and I want to thank everyone for their support over the past three seasons.
"It has been incredible and I've met so many great people along the way that I can now call friends which is definitely down to the ethos of the club from top to bottom.
"I'll never be far away and you'll definitely see me on the terraces as a supporter and I'll always be here for this great club."
Bourne get their pre-season preparations underway next month with a home friendly against National League South side Dorking Wanderers.
The Surrey side are managed by flamboyant boss Marc White and have their own YouTube documentary series filmed by Bunch of Amateurs.
They are due to visit the Abbey Lawn on Saturday, July 5.
The Wakes also have matches planned against Spalding United (home, July 12), Pinchbeck United (Elsea Park, July 15), Harrowby United (away, July 19), Peterborough United Under 21s (home, July 22) and Lincoln United (away, July 26).
Bourne have a home draw in their first foray back into the Lincolnshire Senior Cup.
The Wakes have returned to the highest level of county cup competition after winning promotion to the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
They will host Northern Premier League East Division champions Cleethorpes Town in the first round with the winners taking on Spalding United at the next stage.
