WE’RE extremely sorry to be saying goodbye to a club stalwart – central defender and captain Scott Leather.
The 30-year-old, who has spent the last seven seasons with the Magpies, is taking a break from football due to increased work commitments and to spend more time with his young family.
I’ve had an unbelievable and unforgettable seven years at Chorley, but with my increased workload and family commitments I’ve made the difficult decision to take a break from the game. It’s been an absolute privilege to represent what is a wonderful football club and to have experienced everything from winning promotion in 2019 to the FA Cup run in 2021, plus everything before, after and in between.
It’s been an honour to captain the team the last three seasons. I’ve been lucky to play with some top players and top lads and also work with some top managers, as well. The backroom staff, the volunteers and, of course, all the fans, have made my time with the Magpies extra special and I can’t thank everyone enough for the last seven years. Best of luck to Preecy, the lads and everyone connected with the club for the new season – Scott Leather
Scotty has been a great leader for us on and off the field and been the key figure in everything that we’ve achieved. I’m going to miss him, not just for his performances on the pitch but as a person in the dressing room. He has a brilliant character and can switch from making everyone laugh to getting everyone focused on the task at hand. That’s a great skill and something we’re going to miss.
Due to a demanding job and having a young family, Scotty feels he can’t give his best and play to the levels we’ve all had the fortune to witness over the last seven seasons. He’s having some time away from football, but the door is left firmly open should he change his mind. I’d like to thank him for all he’s done for me and the team over the last seven years – he’s been key to making the dressing room a fantastic place to be – Andy Preece
In total Scott made a fantastic 246 appearances after joining from Altrincham in 2016, scoring 11 goals, including the unforgettable extra time header in the 2019 National League North playoff final against Spennymoor Town.
He was also an integral part of our historic FA Cup run during the 2020/21 season, where he of course captained the side all the way to a fourth round meeting with Premier League Wolves.
Scott’s contribution to the football club over the last seven years has been immense. We’d like to say a huge thank you for those seven seasons and wish him all the best for the future.