This Is Cheshire

Kay chooses to move on

From the archive, first published Thursday 3rd Jan 2008.

GRAHAM Kay has left Middlewich to sign for Woodley Sports.

The Town skipper is set to play his final game in this weekend's Cheshire FA Amateur Cup clash before stepping up three divisions to join the UniBond Division One North club.

"It's a huge blow for us," said Witches boss Terry Murphy.

"Graham is such an important player on and off the pitch - he will leave a huge hole once he has gone."

Defender Kay got a taste of life at a higher level when he made his Woodley debut in their New Year's Day defeat at Lancaster City.

He agreed to turn out for Town this weekend to help out his now former boss.

"I said I would like him for the cup game," said Murphy.

"But after that I'll wish him all the luck in the world.

"If he doesn't go now then he never will and I think he should see if he can play at a higher level."

Former Winsford United boss Chris Willcock, now at the helm for Stockport-based Woodley, has long been an admirer of Kay.

He tried to tempt the Town stopper to join him at the Barton Stadium a year ago.

Back then Kay decided against the switch and has since taken over as captain for the Cheshire League champions.

Murphy has no doubt he has the talent to play at a higher level.

"What's more of a surprise is that nobody has come in for Graham before," he added.

"He's got all the attributes to be a decent central defender for them - he's strong, good in the air and comfortable on the deck."

Murphy has promised to sign a replacement to strengthen his squad as the most obvious candidate to replace Kay, Andrew Tutt, is out injured.

"I have one or two irons in the fire already," said Murphy.

"And I hope to have someone in before I go on holiday a week on Sunday."

Town take on Poulton Victoria at Seddon Street tomorrow, Saturday, kick off 1.30pm.