Morpeth Town manager Craig Lynch acknowledges some big players have left the club after releasing the retained list following the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

After finishing 13th in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division, Town has seen goalkeeper Dan Lowson and defender Chris Reid reject new terms and depart the club, while Ryan Donaldson, Liam Noble, and Connor Thomson have all seen their contracts come to an end.

Donaldson leaves Craik Park after 122 appearances and 10 goals during his spell at the club since joining from Hartlepool United. The midfielder is also an important part of the Academy set-up, where he is a coach.

Lowson had been an ever-present in the Morpeth starting XI last season and made 243 appearances for the club after initially joining on a six-game loan from Spennymoor Town. An outstanding keeper, he memorably scored a 96th minute equaliser against Warrington Rylands in a 3-3 draw a couple of seasons ago and also saved important penalties in our run to the FA Trophy Fifth Round.

Noble, who had been on loan at Hebburn Town for the closing stages of the season, also exits the Highwaymen after 128 appearances, 25 goals and plenty of assists after also joining us from Hartlepool United.

Reid also leaves, the defender surpassing 250 appearances last season during a spell at the club where he became a hugely popular figure among fans and his teammates over a number of years since his switch from Whitley Bay.

Thomson made 47 appearances for Town and scored nine goals before leaving for Ashington on loan, where he has excelled in NPL East in the second half of the campaign.

All of these players have played their part as Morpeth have moved from Northern League to Step Three and the NPL Premier Division in just two seasons, enjoying a title win and double Senior Cup success in the process.

Leaving the club in the highest division in its history, we thank them all for their contributions.

“Having the opportunity to manage and coach players of their experience has been an absolute privilege,” said Morpeth boss Craig Lynch.

“It’s always a sad day when players who have given valuable years to the club move on but unfortunately this day would always arrive.

“They’ve delivered a lot of great moments and memories in their own ways and we wish them and their families all the very best for the future.”