CONFIRMATION that four players, as well as Matt Urwin, from our 2025/26 playing squad will move on this summer.
Matt Urwin (moved on to a coaching role with Blackburn Rovers' academy), Joe Nolan, Milan Lalkovic, Tom Walker, and Jack Griffiths, are all embarking on new challenges away from Chorley going forwards.
Urwin, a club legend, departs after nine and a half years, having amassed 384 total appearances with 122 clean sheets.
Nolan, a Chorley lad, through and through, moves on having made 140 appearances, scoring once, away at Boston United.
Lalkovic (36 appearances, four goals), Griffiths (16 appearances) and Walker (26 appearances, one goal), all depart with our best wishes for the future.
Both Lalkovic and Nolan were offered terms to remain with the Magpies, but, have since chosen to embark on a new chapter at other clubs.
Andy Preece had the following to say...
On Joe: "Joe was one of my first signings so is really hard to see him leave. He's grown into a fantastic all round midfielder (we joke about his goals return) who has improved year on year.
Joe has been a key player in all our success and only injuries at times when he's been playing his best football have stopped him moving higher up the pyramid.
Although I offered him a contract he felt he needed to be guaranteed to be playing week in week out, which is something I couldn't guarantee to anyone.
It was a difficult decision for Joe as he's one of the most popular lads in the changing room so will be missed on and off the pitch."
On Milan: "I've loved working with Milan over the past 15 months. Managing him was easy we had a fantastic relationship. We helped him get his buzz back for playing.
Milan showed how you can be a character, have fun, and be totally committed to training and playing.
We met up and had an open conversation about all the pros and cons going forward. He took over a week to think things over; that's how difficult a decision it was for him to leave.
We offered him a contract but he's been offered a better deal with less commitment closer to home, This suits him with Milan starting out on his coaching career at Salford.
He leaves us with some great memories. We wish him good luck and thanks for all his efforts."
On Tom: "Walks had moments where he showed his quality, only for an injury or postponed games to stop his momentum. A top lad who leaves with our best wishes."
On Jack: "Jack never got enough game time to show what he could do. I believe he could have been like JJ who benefited from a second season.
We are in a different position and Jack needs to be playing regularly to fulfil his potential. Again another great lad who leaves with our best wishes."
Once again, a massive thank you to all five players from everybody at Chorley FC for your contributions in Black & White.
