Defender James Blunden is leaving Stamford AFC

Key defender James Blunden is bidding farewell to the Daniels after ending his seven season stay with Stamford.

The centre-half made more than 220 appearances for the club, scoring 38 goals, following his arrival from Lincoln United.

He helped Stamford win the Northern Premier League Midlands Division title and gain promotion to step three of the non-league pyramid.

However, Blunden has decided to move on from the Southern League Premier Division Central club for the coming campaign.

He said: "I want to thank everyone at Stamford for making me feel so welcome at the club since the age of 19.

"It is a club full of top, top people and I will never forget the memories I have made here.

"All of the players and especially the management team have helped me out with my journey along the way and have made me into the player I am today.

"The gaffer (Graham Drury) is a top bloke and I will sincerely miss him and his antics every Saturday.

"I want to thank him for believing in me every week and I'll never forget what he has done for me."

Stamford start their pre-season preparations for next term with a friendly against United Counties League Premier Division North neighbours Blackstones on Saturday, July 5.

They have also secured a high-profile pre-season friendly with League Two champions Doncaster Rovers.

Grant McCann's side are due to visit the Zeeco Stadium on Saturday, July 12, with a noon kick-off.

It will be the second pre-season visit in successive campaigns for Doncaster who ran out 4-0 winners in a 120-minute match between the two sides last year.