Experienced Morpeth Town duo set for exits as club confirm 26/27 retained list
Morpeth Town have confirmed their retained list ahead of next season.
Morpeth Town boss Craig Lynch has delivered his verdict on Rhys Evans and Nic Bollado leaving the club after the Highwaymen confirmed their retained list for the 2026/27 campaign.
With 188 first team appearances between them, Evans and Bollado are familiar faces at Craik Park, but will both seek fresh challenges elsewhere heading into the new season.
Speaking about Evans’ exit, Lynch said: “We are disappointed that Rhys has chosen to play his football elsewhere, but we respect his decision and reasons. Within Rhys’ two years at the club, nearly amassing 100 appearances, he showed consistency throughout the time, and we wish him all the best with his next move.”
On Bollado, he added: “We would like to wish Nic all the best after his contributions to the club. We took Nic over two years ago from Stockport, and he made over 100 appearances for us. Nic has shown his ability on numerous occasions, however, we believe at this point in his career it’s best for both parties for Nic to have a fresh start.”
Alongside Evans and Bollado, Michael Woods will also leave Morpeth upon the expiration of his contract.
Elsewhere, Dan Langley, Will Dowling, Danny Barlow, Sam Hodgson, and Luke James remain under contract, while options have been exercised to extend the deals of Ryan Chater and Matty Griggs.
Further contract offers have been accepted by Josh Robson, Liam Miller, Jeff Henderson, and Aaron Chungh, while proposals have been made to Josh King, Dan Myers, Joel Holvey, and Billy Gordon. Loanees Callum Bone, Alfie Henderson, and JJ Hooper will return to their respective parent clubs.
Addressing his decision to stay at Craik Park despite the disappointment of their lowly league finish last season, captain Jeff Henderson told the club’s in-house media team: “The challenge of rectifying the wrongs of last year... I couldn’t walk away from the club on the back of a relegation after being here for so long.” The centre-back - and former Newcastle United youth talent - joined Town back in 2018, and has since racked up hundreds of appearances for the Highwaymen.