Shock exit for Chorley striker Hine

Chorley striker Josh Hine has left Victory Park to join Salford City.
Josh Hine looks devastated at full-time after Chorley lost to Guiseley in the Conference North play-off final in 2015.Josh Hine looks devastated at full-time after Chorley lost to Guiseley in the Conference North play-off final in 2015.
Josh Hine looks devastated at full-time after Chorley lost to Guiseley in the Conference North play-off final in 2015.

Hine joined the club in 2013 but has suddenly decided to leave Matt Jansen’s National League North side.

The paceman attracted the interest of several National League clubs in the summer but instead decided to commit his future to Chorley by signing a one year deal in July 2015.

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It is believed the Magpies rejected an initial bid from Salford last week but the club - that is part owned by ex-Manchester United Class of 92 legends Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs - made a second approach this week and now the two clubs have now agreed a deal.

Hine says he feels that he has done as much as he can at Chorley and believes the step down to NPL Premier Division side Salford will help his career.Hine said: “It’s been a difficult decision to make, but I feel the move will help with my career. Everything that has happened so far at Chorley has been brilliant and I feel I’ve done as much as I can with the club.

“The dressing room has been unbelievable since I joined and I’d like to wish all the lads the very best for the future.”

Hine scored twice against Buxton back in 2014 as Chorley clinched the NPL Premier Division title.

And Hine said it is a day he will never forget.

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He said: “I’d also like to thank all the staff and board of directors for their support throughout my time at Chorley. There have been so many memories that will live with me for a long time, including Buxton. It was obviously a day nobody will forget and those two goals are now etched into history.”

Chorley boss Jansen says he is sad to see him leave but that the deal is in the best interests of Chorley and the player.

He said: “I’m sad see him leave, he really does bring a lot to the team and he’s a striker who’ll do everything - he’ll come and get the ball to feet, he’s very good on the half turn, but then he’s an out-and-out goal scorer. Those attributes are always going to attract interest from other teams and we wish him all the best.

“Josh now feels his career needs to take a different direction and the deal that takes him to Moor Lane is in the best interests of Chorley Football Club and the player.”

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Magpies captain Andy Teague says it is a big loss but that no player is irreplaceable.

He said: “It happens everywhere in football. Players leave.

“Josh has done well for the team, he has been here for a number of years.

“But no player is irreplaceable and I’m sure the club and the gaffer will have someone in mind to replace him.

“I expected him with his goal scoring record to go to a league club.

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“Salford are a division below but they have the Class of 92 behind them and they are going places. But Chorley is also a club that is going places.

“These things happen, players leave but it can allow other players to step up and there are players in the squad itching to get a spot.”