Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell pays tribute to midfielder Jack Thomas following his decision to leave the Isthmian Premier club

Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell has paid tribute to departing midfielder Jack Thomas.

Thomas, who was made captain in the early weeks of Maxwell’s reign, is leaving Park View Road to play closer to home.

“We respect his decision,” said the Wings boss.

“We certainly have to give him praise and appreciation for what he did for us.

“He was great for us last year and whoever gets Jack is getting an excellent player and even better character.

“He’s an absolute pleasure to manage, he leaves his heart and soul on the pitch and that was important in our resurgence, getting out of the situation we were in.

“He trains how he plays, he’s an infectious character, he’s a bonus for everyone around him with his positivity and professionalism and his desire to win. He certainly played a massive part in our safety.

“It was a very difficult decision for him to leave because I’ve had Jack at Braintree, Sittingbourne and now Welling, and he’s a player I know extremely well.

“I have the utmost respect for Jack and he’s also a friend of mine so he was really keen to give it a go at Welling this season, with different aspirations.

“But unfortunately he just can’t justify the travel, particularly over the bridge, and coming back from work it became a little bit difficult.

“Jack loves being on time, so fair play to him, he took the real professional decision to stay a bit closer to home so he can always be on time and always give his all.

“I’ve had a few calls regarding Jack. He won’t be short of options. He’s got promoted as champions from Step 3 with Bishop’s Stortford, he’s played Step 2 football, he’s only 26, he’s played hundreds of games, he’s a captain.

“Whoever gets him will be very lucky.”

Maxwell is in no rush to replace Thomas,