Due to a change in personal circumstances, club captain, Lock, aged 33, has decided to ‘hang up his boots’ with immediate effect. Lock joined the club in July 2015 from Dover Athletic of the Conference South and was appointed club captain by David Wright, the clubs manager at the time.

Whilst with The Jammers, Matt has gone on to appear ninety-nine times, scored seven goals and worked under three different managers. Lock was influential in Kevin Horlock’s 2016/17 side which reached the play-off final, eventually losing to Thurrock.

Throughout his career, ‘Locky’ has played as a professional, held a player-manager role Australia and has featured for several clubs within different levels within our non-league pyramid, including Chelmsford City and of course Dover.

‘Locky’ has been influential in nurturing the younger players within our squad and was our longest serving player following the earlier departure of Gavin Greenfield this season.

Everyone at Park Drive would to say a big thank you to Matt for his services and professionalism whilst with the club and we wish him the very best for the future.

Speaking following his tough decision, Lock added;

“I am gutted to be leaving the club, however a change in my work commitments has resulted in me having to take a step away from the game.

I have loved my time at Park Drive but unfortunately never managed to achieve a personal goal of mine, which was promotion. I’m confident that Kevin and the boys can go that one step further this year and achieve this.

I would like to say a big thank you all of the managers I have worked under at Park Drive, especially Kev (and his current managerial team) who have been a pleasure to work with. Also a huge thanks to Ed who has been great to me. Finally a huge thanks to the volunteers and supporters - what you do for the club is second to none!

It was a huge pleasure to represent and captain my (adopted) home town club and I will make sure I get down to support the lads.

All the best!”