Colwyn Bay have invested a four figure transfer fee to bring Witton Albion’s high-scoring winger Danny Andrews to Llanelian Road.
The 29-year-old was on Liverpool’s books as a youngster and after a spell at Cammel Laird where he was Player of the Year in 2009/10, he joined Witton Albion in 2011 and was named their player of the year in 2013/14.
He has made over 250 appearances for the Cheshire club, scoring over 80 goals – including 24 in 52 appearances last season.
He was half-way through a two year contract, but was concerned that the club has been switched to Division One South next season and the extra travelling that will involve.
Seagulls boss Paul Moore commented: “I’m really excited to have completed the business with Witton and first and foremost would like to thank our board of directors for their backing to enable me to bring a quality player to the club.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Witton manager Carl Macauley and chairman Mark Harris for their co-operation in helping to complete the deal.
“I’ve watched Danny mature greatly as a player over the last couple of seasons at Witton. His goalscoring record speaks for itself and he is a talent that many teams in our league and higher would love to have.
“He is a very down to earth lad with attributes that will enhance our team and help us chase the success we are aiming for.
“I believe his signing, along with those of players like Chris Gaghan, Gary Burnett, Tom Schofield and Tom Hardwick is a real statement of intent to turn the club’s fortunes around.”
That is really disappointing, but the very best of luck to Danny and thanks to him for all his efforts and entertainment over the past few years, he didnt have the best of seasons last year but still scored plenty of goals. UTA
OH NO !!!
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITHIN CLUB ?
DANNY, TOM SCHOFIELD,TITCH JON DAWSON. THESE LADS HAVE GIVEN EVERYTHING TO WITTON.
SURELY THE CLUB COULD HAVE TRIED HARDER TO KEEP THEM.
I DON,T BELIEVE FOR ONE MINUTE IT IS JUST ABOUT THE TRAVELLING INVOLVED
THESE LADS LOVED THIS CLUB. WHO,S NEXT GARDS
Echo thoughts of CJ, thanks for being one of the best players to wear the shirt for as long as I’ve been watching the Albs. Zico, players move to and from clubs all the time, for all sorts of reasons. We will just have to try and get behind whoever plays for us this season.- unless they are complete donkeys of course, but I’m sure we’ve never had any of those. B)
Always a chance that this was to happen with us being placed in the southern section. Danny has given that reason for leaving and I for one do not doubt his word. I would like to thank Danny for the 100% effort and loyalty that he has given our club over the years , He will certainly be remembered as one of the Witton greats. Great down to earth guy and always willing to chat after the game, win ,lose or draw. Good luck Danny and thank you, it has been a pleasure to watch you play. bowdown bowdown.
Our mileage to away League games last year was 2080.8 miles. (from Wincham Park)
Our mileage to away League games next year will be 2915 miles - an increase of 40.093%.
I can see why some of our players who live on the Wirral or in North Wales would prefer a move to Colwyn Bay, as their mileage to Wincham on top of above could be just too much.
I have been asked to post the following statement on behalf of Danny Andrews
Where do I begin…I’ll start by thanking Witton Albion fc and in particular the chairman Mark Harris and Brian Pritchard for bringing me to the club, they believed in me and gave me that chance to better my career, I never dreamed in a million years that I would enjoy 5 wonderful years at the club (maybe 4) ha! Promotion, playoffs, relegation…it’s not been a dull 5 years anyway!
Then there’s a special thanks to the fans…who always believed and stood by me through thick and thin…we had some rollercoaster years together and I’ll never forget my 250th game for the club when you never stopped singing my name and the kind gesture afterwards showed what a great bond we have. That’s what made the decision to leave even harder, I’ve had offers in the last few years to leave, but never felt it was the right time and stayed loyal to the club, I loved playing for Witton Albion football club…they will alway have a special place in my heart. But after finding out we was placed in the south league, I had my concerns…which I told the chairman about, and with interest from Colwyn Bay I made a decision to take a new challenge and a fresh start…which in football sometimes you need. I felt this time…it was the right time. Hopefully signing for Colwyn Bay I will get that. There was never a transfer request handed in…I hope the fans and the club understand that, and I wish them all the best in the future…and maybe one day our paths will cross again.
Once again I’d like to say thank you to everyone connected to Witton Albion football club, for looking after…not only me…but my son Harvey too, always made him feel welcome an part of the family, and for that I’ll be forever grateful. It was a pleasure to wear the red and white shirt and to represent the club and play for the fans! have a great season and I wish you all the best! #ziggazagga#UTA
Danny Andrews
Further to Danny’s statement :Contrary to earlier Twitter postings the club have today confirmed that Danny expressed his desire to leave the football club for reasons mentioned in his statement and after discussions with the management, and an offer from Colwyn Bay which met the club’s valuation of the player, the club reluctantly agreed to his request although no formal transfer request was issued.
Right up there amongst my favourite ever witton players and a really nice lad to boot. Absolutely gutted to see him go but I hope he does well at Colwyn Bay and wish him all the very best. Good luck Danny and thank you for everything you have done for WAFC! bowdown
JUST LIKE TO THANK DANNY FOR GIVING ME SOME VERY SPECIAL MOMENTS
AND MEMORIES. A VERY SPECIAL PLAYER AND VERY SPECIAL PERSON
HOPE YOU EXCITE THE COLWYN BAY FANS THE WAY YOU
EXCITED ME. GOOD LUCK TO YOU DANNY.
Gutted to see Danny leave, been our best player for the last few years. Good luck to you Danny.
Our season is already beginning to look bleak. However let’s get behind the manager and the players he brings ion and hopefully prove me wrong.
I’m really down in the dumps about this as I thought Danny was a stitched on certainty for next season. A really nice lad and a great player where are we going to get 20 odd goals from midfield next season? Wish you the best of luck Danny you’ve been fantastic for us and I’ll be over to see you at work when I get the chance so I can keep in touch with you.
As an observation what I am finding annoying this close season is the fact that all other clubs are announcing signings even though they are probably not supposed to do so yet we play it by the book in keeping quiet which is fair enough I guess but its demorilising. The other thing that fills me with dismay is the fact somewhere else on this forum that our football management team has requested that all those who were on our books last season turn up for pre season training. I’m sorry but some of them were simply not good enough the way we finished the season with a whimper filled me with dismay. The other thing I find unfair is the fact that although we finished 11th we are being punished in a way by having to go into the Southern portion of the league. I’m sure the Vics lot must feel even worse having been in the play offs. Ok we have to live with that I guess but I feel we’ve been punished rather than helped quite frankly losing Danny being a prime example. My worry now is losing Guards and maybe Hopley because if they go then there is not much down for us.
I’m just saying whats in my mind and I’m not getting at anybody or anyone at the club. I’m just hoping that despite the silence we have got some players lined up and that we will have a team that can give us a lift next season otherwise we may well continue to decline. I’m sure that will not be the case and that we have a plan I hope!!
