Maybe I’m different to others, but managers do have their favourites and Doca is up there with one of the best players, and people, who I’ve had the pleasure to play alongside and manage in the 35 years I’ve been involved in the non-league game.

I signed for Chasetown 18 years ago when Charlie talked me out of retirement. Ongoing injuries were getting the better of me and I spent the first two months getting up to match speed by playing in the reserves which was full of young exciting players, and managed by our very own Coxy.

In my first game I sat in a deep midfield role alongside two 17 year olds in front of me. This was the first time I encountered Danny O'Callaghan who was one of the tall, athletic, technical footballers in front of me. The other being our ex-player, Lee Smith.

After 15 minutes of the game I thought to myself ,"bloody hell, these pair can play a bit" and I took an instant shine to the one who always played with a cheeky smile on his face and who was full of not only quality, but an unbelievable work ethic...Doca!

I knew these two lads would go on and play consistently at a good level of football. After re-joining the first team squad I always remember Doca would come over after the reserves had trained and have a little chat with me about ours and their last games and was always interested about what it takes to break into a first team at a young age.

At the end of that season my time was up, my body couldn’t do what I wanted it to do to still perform consistently at the level I wanted to play. It was time to hang the boots up. Charlie asked me to join the management team, which I was a little reluctant to, but accepted.

I didn’t really take to the role and decided to step away and after a short break out of the game Coxy asked me to help out with the reserves. I went to watch them away at Heather St Johns. Chasetown had a mix of 4-5 first team players who were getting minutes but I remember popping my head around the dugout and asking Coxy who the number 10 was and he said "that’s Doca". Over the six months he had developed even more and out shone the first team players on the night.

After the game I gave Coxy my hand and said "I’m in".

To see Doca and three or four more players that night gave me the excitement to try and help these lads to the next steps of playing senior football. I really enjoyed my time, learning my trade really, being the other side of the line and playing the odd game now and again when needed.

Charlie contacted me again and asked if I would take over the reserves as Coxy was moving up to be first team Assistant Manager. One of the big reasons that I took the job was that I had experienced playing with this group, and they were now another six months on in their development and a young Doca was still a part of the team.

So Doca, firstly I need to say thank you to you for being a big part of what made me take my first step into management!

We finished the season really well and mine and Doca’s relationship was getting stronger and stronger week by week. He would always ask advice and always taking on board what was said. I knew that with us having a very strong first team squad and Doca’s ability, enthusiasm and drive to push on in the game that it was only going to be a matter of time until he left the club to step into the real world of senior non-league football. He was certainly ready and what a non-league career he has had, playing consistently at step 2,3 & 4.

I made sure I kept my eye on his movements as he was gradually stepping up the leagues and used to bump into him at games or when he was on a night out. I’m not sure what he will say, but when we saw each other, it was always a respectful hug and an honest footie chat!

When me and Jay took the reins four seasons ago we knew it may be a good time in Doca’s career to pounce, and try to bring him back to the club I know he loves. As soon as we met I knew we had him. When he walked onto the pitch to check the playing surface (grass at the time) I felt his return was sealed. We enjoyed a few beers together outside in the stand and on that night he text me to say he would be over the moon to sign. There was no doubt in my mind that Doca was coming in to lead our new group of players as my skipper of the football club.

Fast forward and I am gutted to say that we met a couple of weeks ago and Doca gave me and Jay the news that he has to leave the football club for his own personal reasons.

One thing that everyone connected to Chasetown FC needs to know is that he does not want to leave the football club but, with his young family life and managing his own business, last season really took its toll on him. This league is relentless, not just the competitiveness of every game but also the amount of time and commitment you have to give for 45 weeks of a calendar year and one thing Doca does in abundance is give his absolute all in every role of his job as a player, and captain of our football club.

For him to be HONEST enough to say he cannot commit to the requirements of this league and our principles is a credit to the man he is. Doca, in my eyes, has a lot of more football in his legs yet. His HARD WORK means that he keeps himself in great shape and he still has the HUNGER to carry on playing. Unfortunately this will have to be closer to home and in a more regional league. I hope he goes to play for a Manager I’m very close too as Doca deserves to play for a good man and this manager will still give Doca the enjoyment and drive for the game.

I’ve had the pleasure to be your teammate when you were a young pup coming through. The pleasure of managing you in the reserves and seeing you mature into the humble man you are, and who’s had a fantastic journey in the non-league game (with more to come).

The icing on the cake for me was signing you 5 years ago to lead Chasetown Football Club and share some unbelievable times together. 196 games and 19 goals!

Your conduct and service to the football club will never be forgotten. From Myself, Jay, Slates, Birty and the management team, to all of your teammates that you have supported and given your everything for, during the highs and the lows, thank you...it has been an absolute pleasure to have you as my captain!

Finally, I wish you and your young family all the best for the future and I look forward to keeping my watchful eye on the next chapter of your playing journey and catching up with you for the odd beer or two.

Doc, from the bottom of my footballing heart, THANK YOU!!!

You meet a lot of good people in football and I’m proud to say that I’ve met one of the best! Football aside, you will also have a friend for life.

Swanny