Emotional farewell for long-serving Leek Town striker

Grice has given 13 years of unbroken service to the club, having first made the move from NWCFL First Division side Eccleshall in September 2011.

The former Stoke City academy forward recently scored goal number 250 for the club, netting the opener in their 2-0 victory at home to Ashby Ivanhoe in the first qualifying round of this season's FA Cup.

A minor injury meant Grice missed last weekend's goalless draw at Whitby Town, but he will now bring up the 500-game milestone in front of his own supporters this weekend.

The club say that Grice has informed them of his wish to move on, enabling him to prolong his career and play more games at Step 4.

A testimonial match will also be held at the end of the season for Grice, who is affectionately known as 'Mr Leek Town'.

Discussing the news of his departure, Grice said: "After reaching a considerable milestone and fulfilling some personal goals, I now feel the time is right to move on from Leek Town and seek a new challenge in the remaining years I have left in the game.

"I have achieved everything I set out to do at Leek over my 13 years, and I am proud of my record of 500 appearances and 250 goals, along with the crowning glory of promotion last season - a promotion the club has deserved for so many years.

"Leek Town will always be my club, and somewhere I call my second home."

Photo credit: Jim Booth Photography