Danny Cowley admitted he was sad to see Matt Rhead leave Sincil Bank for pastures new today as the striker moved to Billericay Town, but the Imps’ manager says it’s ultimately a decision which was the correct one for everyone involved.
“I woke up this morning knowing that this deal would probably go through and it’s sad that we won’t be able to see Matt in the red and white shirt again. It’s an ambitious project for Matt to move into, we’re always player centred first, and this is the right decision for everyone, we’ve got to look at the bigger picture.
“Unfortunately, where we are is that we have to create finance, and it’s too good a deal for Matt to turn down. It’s a two-year deal for him so it’s ultimately a good deal for all parties.”
The striker leaves with nothing but praise from Danny who says he has qualities which are arguably irreplaceable, and he knows that the supporters will also be sad to see ‘Rheady’ leave the club but it’s a decision which is made for the greater good.
“He’s iconic, a cult hero. It’s a sad day for everyone associated with the football club to see him leave, Matt’s a person who’s impossible to replace as a player or as a person. He’s a throwback centre forward, and unless you see him in training and in games you don’t know how good he actually is. His tactical understanding and ability to lead from the front is something that we’ll miss.
Danny continued: “He’s had an incredible influence on the team in the three years that we’ve been at the club, but obviously his influence started the year before we got here. He helped us through to the quarter final of the FA Cup, beating up Championship and Premier League defenders, his 90th minute penalty at Gateshead was one which no one wanted to take and he picked up the ball, put it under his arm and wanted to take it. That showed the type of player that he is.
“But we sometimes have to make decisions that sometimes we don’t want to and it’s difficult, but as I say we’re always player centred, it has to be the right decision and this is certainly one which has been difficult to make but this is the right one for everyone involved.”
