'Big Tony' moves on

Antony Acheampong has become the latest player to exit Gorings Mead after the big defender announced he will be leaving the club this week. Acheampong made 80 appearances for the Hornets after signing from Cardiff City in October 2008, playing at either full-back or centre-half, but has announced plans to take up an offer 'closer to home'. An always imposing presence on the pitch, John Maggs pays tribute to the player he calls 'a young gentleman'.

"I have got the utmost respect for Tony," said Maggs. "He has not only been a very good young player for me but he has got to be one of the most respectful people I've ever known in the game. He has been an absolute gentleman and I think that there has been a mutual respect between the two of us since he arrived. There's been times when Tony's heard something said about me, or the club, and he's always defended our corner and I sincerely wish him well for the future.

He called me tonight to say that he feels it's time for him to move on. He's had a couple of offers from teams closer to home and he feels that it was be in his best interests to take one of them. I don't know the teams involved but I'm sure he will be an asset to whichever team he decides to join."