Farnham Town can confirm that midfielder Imran Uche will be leaving the Club this summer upon the expiry of his contract.
After joining the Club from Aveley in the summer, Imran was poised for a big role in the team heading into the season, but a nasty finger injury in a pre-season friendly at Cobham that required surgery delayed his debut until three weeks into the season when he came off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Wimborne Town.
The first of his 13 starts for the Town came in the 3-0 Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round victory away at Erith Town, and he bagged an assist in his first league appearance the following weekend in the 3-1 win at Dorchester Town.
Imran dealt with a handful of small injuries throughout the season, but when available he was always ready to step up and be counted, whether it was to fill in across the defence or in midfield.
He will hold a special place in the memories of Farnham Town fans for the vital goals he scored along our journey to promotion via the Play-Offs. His injury time goal at Berkhamsted to clinch a point in a 3-3 draw, a goal of the season contender, and his 98th minute winner at home against Dorchester Town, were both huge moments and momentum swingers for us.
Each of his three goals for the Club directly secured either a point or all three, which if you deduct from our end of season tally would’ve dropped us from second to third and who knows how the Play-Offs would’ve shaken out.
In total, Imran made 37 appearances for Farnham Town throughout a season that ended with silverware in the Surrey Senior Cup and promotion to the National League South.
“I’d like to thank Imran for everything he did to help our success this season,” manager Paul Johnson said.
“It was unfortunate that Imran struggled with the knocks he did throughout the season, some of them just complete freak injuries, as I’m sure we both would’ve liked to have seen him play a little bit more than he did.
“He contributed some big goals along the way that got us out of some holes. I wish Imran all the best with his next club.”
Chairman Harry Hugo adds: “I’m immensely grateful for what Imran gave the Club this season.
“He’s responsible for two of my top five individual moments of the season with the equaliser at Berkhamsted and the winner against Dorchester Town at home.
“Imran’s been unfortunate with a few injuries throughout the year that came at really frustrating times for him just as he was starting to get a run of games in the side.
“I’m sure he would’ve liked a little bit more time out on the pitch, but he should be very proud of his efforts this season in a history-making side, creating memories that will live on with him forever.
“Everyone at the Club wishes Imran nothing but the best as he departs us, and I hope he can stay injury-free next season and beyond.”