After three seasons at the club ending with a Midland League Cup winner’s medal, Tom Weale has left Hinckley AFC.
Our longest-serving player at the conclusion of last season, Tom made 84 appearances during his time at the club, captaining on a number of occasions.
He scored 28 goals, ranging from his halfway line stunner at Stafford Town in 2020, to his long-range goal in a top of the table clash at Aylestone Park, to his last-minute penalty winner against OJM Black Country last season.
He played throughout the spine of the team, mostly operating in his midfield berth but also with regular stints up front and less regular spells at centre-back and even half of a pre-season friendly in goal.
Weale said: “To all you Hinckley faithful, thank you for the last few years. It’s been a pleasure to play and even captain in your colours.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to leave the club due to work and family commitments, meaning I can’t be available as much as I need to be.
“Thank you to Joe, Belf, Gunny and the rest of the management team. To DJ for always sorting me the big lad’s kit and the rest of the directors. Most of all, to you fans who were there in your numbers, rain or shine, supporting us through good and bad.
“I’m glad to leave you as Midland League Cup winners. Go one better this year and get that promotion.
“Once a red always a red.”
Tom’s level of trust was such that Joe Conneely asked him to become assistant manager last season until he recovered from injury and was able to play again.
Conneely said: “Tom’s a brilliant guy and a good friend. He’s been fantastic for us over three years. We came to the club at the same time and we’ll all miss him.
“If you can’t commit as much as you want to, it’s not fair to carry on so we agreed it would be best if he went.
“But he was superb for me when I needed him most and we had no staff. He stepped up and you knew speaking to him that he knew plenty about football and this level. I can’t thank him enough. It would have been tough to get through without him but he was always there whenever I needed him.”
Thanks for all your efforts in a Hinckley shirt, Tom, and very best wishes for the future.
