Torquay United have today confirmed the departure of two members of their 2018/19 title winning squad.
Following the release of Samir Nabi, Jason Banton, George Essuman and Jon-Paul Pittman, goalkeeper George Burton and defender Jamie Sendles-White have both left Plainmoor to pursue new challenges elsewhere. Manager Gary Johnson was quick to praise the contribution both played during last season.
Sendles-White was a regular member of the first team squad throughout the season, after signing for the club in September.
“Jamie Sendles-White was a difficult decision, for us and for him,” said Johnson
“He was very much a part of what we were doing, but I couldn’t guarantee him a first team spot and there were two or three other clubs that were interested. I didn’t want to keep him around if I couldn’t guarantee him a place. He had his injuries as well, so unfortunately when he did get in, he didn’t stay in because of a couple of unfortunate injuries, so he didn’t get as many games as he would have hoped. Anyway, we decided it would be better for him to find pastures new where he can, he’s that type of player where he wants to play every week and I think that’s a good trait to have. So we wish him luck, and thank him for his service.”
Although Burton didn’t make a first-team appearance during his time with the club, he still left a positive impression on everyone with the club.
“George Burton desperately needs games, he’s got to go somewhere now to find a team that’s willing to play him in the first team every week. He’s been a fantastic part of our squad, not in playing but in training. He’s a fantastic trainer, he’s a very good goalkeeper as well. Unfortunately he didn’t get that opportunity to get a chance in goal and so the club is open to him anytime he wants. If he needs to train, or he can’t find somewhere, we’ve offered him the opportunity to train with us until he finds somewhere. Again, he can’t go through a season sitting on the bench, waiting for a game and not playing. It was best that we didn’t offer him anything but gave him the opportunity, if he wants to, to train with us to keep him fit if he needs it. We thank him as well.”
“They’re both great lads and certainly true champions like everyone else.”
Everybody at the club would like to wish Jamie and George all the best for the future.